What is the term for the body's response to tissue damage?

The term for the body's response to tissue damage is the inflammatory response. This complex biological process is initiated when tissues are injured, whether due to infection, trauma, or other factors. The primary purpose of the inflammatory response is to protect the body by eliminating the initial cause of cell injury and beginning the healing process.

During this response, various immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, are recruited to the affected area. They work together to remove debris and pathogens while releasing signaling molecules that promote healing and tissue restoration. The response often manifests as redness, heat, swelling, and pain in the affected area, which are characteristic signs of inflammation.

While the immune response encompasses a broader range of functions, including the defense against pathogens, the inflammatory response is specifically tied to tissue injury and repair mechanisms. Allergic reactions and chronic responses represent different contexts of immune activity and are not directly tied to the immediate bodily response to acute tissue damage.