What condition involves the body's immune response to injury or infection?

Inflammation refers to the body’s complex biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. This condition is a crucial part of the immune response, where the body works to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells, and initiate tissue repair.

During inflammation, the body increases blood flow to the affected area, which brings in immune cells and nutrients necessary for healing. This process results in the classic signs of inflammation, such as redness, heat, swelling, and pain. The goal of inflammation is to restore homeostasis and protect the body from further harm.

In contrast, an allergy involves a specific, often exaggerated immune response to a substance that is typically harmless to most people, but does not describe a direct response to injury or infection. Infection specifically refers to the invasion of harmful microorganisms, while a contusion is a type of injury resulting in bruising, which does not encompass the broader immune response associated with inflammation.