Glossary

a-amylases - salivary component that breaks down complex sugars

a-glucosidases - salivary component that breaks down glucose

(anti)-Bradykinins - bradykinins are proteins that is involved in the pain and inflammation responses

Anaphylatoxins - plasma proteins that are released at the injury site and attract phagocytic leucocytes

Arachidonic Acid - polyunsaturated fatty acid precursor of thromboxane

Chemotaxin - a chemical that acts as an attractant

Complement system - a group of plasma proteins that, when turned on, are involved in the inflammation response, bacteriocide and phagocytosis.

Edema - swelling due to plasma that has leaked into the interstitial spaces; often due to injury

Factor Xa - a component that is shared between the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation cascade

Haemostasis (hemostasis- normal blood response to vessel damage

Haematoma (hematoma)- a blood pocket below the skin surface

Leucocytes - white blood cells that are involved in phagocytosis; part of the complement system

Masticating - chewing

Monocytes - a type of phagocytic white blood cell

Neutrophils - a type of phagocytic white blood cell; polymorphonuclear

Platelet - a clear blood cell. Main component of small wound closing

Serotonin - released during platelet degranulation ;stimulates platelet activation

Thrombin - acts as a catalyst for fibrinogen to fibrin

Thromboxane A2 - released from degranulating platelets. Stimulates platelet aggregation and further activation