Question

inflammation, in response to an injury or infection, protects the body in a number of ways. these protective mechanisms include all of the following except ________. answer options: increased phagocytosis, removal of toxins and wastes, decreased mast cell activity, increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients, i dont know yet

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Increased phagocytosis: Phagocytes (like neutrophils, macrophages) increase activity during inflammation to engulf pathogens/debris, so this is a protective mechanism.
• Removal of toxins and wastes: Inflammation brings more blood flow, helping remove harmful substances from the injured area, so this is protective.
• Decreased mast cell activity: Mast cells release histamine and other mediators during inflammation, which increase blood flow, vascular permeability, etc. Inflammation actually increases mast cell activity, so decreased mast cell activity is not a protective mechanism of inflammation.
• Increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients: Increased blood flow (from inflammation) delivers more oxygen and nutrients to help repair damaged tissue, so this is protective.

Answer:

C. decreased mast cell activity