How do we measure inflammation? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Increased permeability and leakage occur at an injury site due to histamine and cytokine release, causing endothelial gaps. This allows plasma and immune cells to enter tissues, promoting inflammation and edema, making this a correct vascular change.

Choice B reason: Blood vessels initially constrict to limit bleeding, then dilate to increase blood flow, delivering immune cells and nutrients. This biphasic response (constriction followed by dilation) is a hallmark of acute injury, making this a correct vascular change.

Choice C reason: Pallor occurs from initial vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow, followed by swelling from increased permeability and fluid leakage. These are typical injury responses, reflecting vascular and tissue changes, making this a correct observation.

Choice D reason: “None of the above” is incorrect, as increased permeability, biphasic vessel response, and pallor with swelling are well-documented vascular changes at injury sites. These align with the inflammatory process, making this an invalid choice.

Choice E reason: Tightening of capillary endothelial junctions does not occur during acute injury. Junctions loosen due to inflammatory mediators, increasing permeability, not tightening, which would limit leakage, making this an incorrect vascular change.

Choice A reason: Nasal mucosa is a portal of entry for cold viruses, not the primary source of spread. Sneezing propels virus-laden droplets, infecting others, making it the greatest spread mechanism, so this is incorrect for the source.

Choice B reason: Conjunctival surfaces can be an entry point but are not the main source of spread. Sneezing disperses viruses widely through respiratory droplets, driving transmission, so this is incorrect for the greatest source.

Choice C reason: Sneezing is the greatest source of cold virus spread, as it releases aerosolized droplets containing viruses, infecting others via inhalation or surface contact. This is the primary transmission mode, making it the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Fingers spread viruses via fomites, but sneezing generates more widespread droplet transmission. Hand contact is secondary to respiratory spread, so this is incorrect for the greatest source of cold virus spread.