• Question: Why is it that sometimes when we hurt ourselves, the hurt area swells up?

    Asked by Resh@science to Chris, Hayley, Jimi on 17 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Jimi Wills

      Jimi Wills answered on 17 Mar 2016:

      This is because there are chemicals that cause the blood vessels to become leaky… and fluid comes out and fills the spaces between cells. The vessels become leaky to allow antibodies, immune cells, and other goodies to get to the area and protect it from invading bugs.

    • Photo: Hayley Moulding

      Hayley Moulding answered on 17 Mar 2016:

      It is because we have damaged an area and the cells inside of us get a bit upset at that. What happens as lots of cells respond by going straight to the damaged area. We also damage the blood vessels. This is okay though but some fluid will leak into the wounded area. What happens as lots of little cells, fluid and some chemicals are released. Histamine is a chemical which is released, and that can make the wound swell up too.

Comments