IT^FLAMiTATION. 53 



What is a fibrinous exudation ? 



Xew connective-tissue cells are formed, the membrane becomes 

 thickened, and elevations are present on the surface of the mem- 

 brane, causing adhesions. This new connective tissue is rich in 

 capillary vessels at first. Soon the new tissue contracts, fatty de- 

 generation commences, and absorption takes place. 



Inflammations of mucous membranes are of what char- 

 acter ? 



Catarrhal, croupous, or diphtheritic. 



Explain a catarrhal mucous inflammation. 



In acute cases the mucous membranes are drier in the begin- 

 ning and congested. Soon the glands secrete, and the mucus may 

 be thicker or thinner than normal, and has an acrid or irritating 

 quality. 



Do mucous exudations coagulate ? 



Mucous exudations do not coagulate, but adhere somewhat 

 closely to the surface of the inflamed membrane ; these changes are 

 accompanied by a shedding of the superficial epithelial cells. 



What takes place if pus-cells are formed ? 



If the catarrhal inflammation is of a purulent nature, the above 

 condition is present, together with a darkening of the mucous mem- 

 brane and the formation of pus-cells. The amount of pus will in- 

 dicate the intensity and character of the inflammation. 



What are the changes in chronic catarrhal inflamma- 

 tions ? 



The blood-vessels are either increased in size and number, or 

 they are less numerous and more swollen, giving the membrane a 

 grayish appearance. 



Describe croupous inflammations of mucous surfaces. 



The hypersemia is more intense than in the catarrhal inflam- 

 mations, the membrane becomes of a dark, livid color and swollen; 

 soon the free surface shows a fibrinous exudation, which takes the 

 place of the epitheliinn and lies upon the sub-epithelial structures. 

 Enclosed in the meshes are ejnthelial and pus cells. The exudation 

 varies in thickness, and may be in patches or extend over a consid- 

 erable surface. At first it is firm, hard, and adheres closely, but 

 soon it becomes softer and can be easily detached from the sub- 

 jacent membrane. 



