A local response to cellular injury that is marked by redness, heat, pain, swelling, cellular and blood vessel changes, and often loss of function and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database, Atlanta, GA, USA 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/ershdb/glossary.html#B, (Emr Resp Sfty and Hlth Database - Amer) {794}