Cardinal signs

CARDINAL SIGNS OF INFLAMMATION

  • There are five important local signs of inflammation. First four of them were described in first century (AD35) by the Italian scientist Cornelius Celsus. Rudolf Virchow (AD 858), the German pathologist added the fifth sign.
  • Cardinal signs are mainly attributed to vascular changes at the site of inflammation.

The cardinal signs are:

  • Red (L. Rubor): It is due to the increased supply of blood (hyperemia) to the area of inflammation.
  • Swelling (L. Tumour): It is due to the increased blood flow, adding volume to the tissue and exudates into the inflammatory area.
  • Heat (L. Calor): It is due to the increased blood supply to area of inflammation carrying warm blood from the interior of the body and increased rate of metabolism at the site of inflammation leading to increased production of heat.
  • Pain (L. Dolor): Pain in the area of inflammation is due to the increased pressure on sensory nerve endings and stretching of tissue due to accumulation of exudates.
  • Loss of function (L. Functio laeso) : The affected part looses its function due to swelling, pain and tissue destruction
Last modified: Wednesday, 14 December 2011, 1:05 PM