Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1037165
1 2 There's a lot to know about infl ammation, and this intimidating graphic will keep even hard-core geeks busy for a while. For the rest of us, the simplifi ed version is that a pathogen or injury (upper left) initiates a sequence of infl ammatory processes (upper half, in red) that release proinfl ammatory substances and move plasma and specialized cells from blood vessels into the tissues, where they are monitored and regulated by the peripheral nervous system (the vagus nerve in this instance, top). Meanwhile, anti-infl ammatory and pro-resolution processes (lower half, in green) temper and balance the infl ammatory progression. The vagus nerve (bottom) plays a direct role in controlling systemic infl ammation via its release of anti-infl ammatory compounds. As the infl ammatory progression matures (from the left to right of the graphic), the resulting large proteins are processed by the lymphatic system and other mechanisms (Re, lower left). If you want even more detail about this illustration, go to http://bit.ly/luchau-gallo2017. Image: Gallo et al., 2017, used under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Normally, infl ammation progresses through acute, intermediate (repair), and later (adaptation) stages, each with its own mechanisms and processes (see text). When any stage's progression is inhibited or prolonged, infl ammation can become chronic. Resolution timelines vary tremendously, depending on the individual, the tissue, or the organ involved, etc., with full recovery in some cases taking months or years. After Steinacker et al., 1999, courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com.