Which term corresponds to pain in the cardinal signs?

Which term corresponds to pain in the cardinal signs?

• A. Dolor
• B. Rubor
• C. Calor
• D. Tumor

Answer: (A)

Pain in the classic inflammatory signs is called dolor. When tissue becomes inflamed, chemical mediators like bradykinin and prostaglandins sensitize nerve endings, producing the sensation of pain. This sets dolor apart from the other two primary features, which reflect vascular changes: rubor is redness from increased blood flow and vasodilation, and calor is the accompanying heat from the same process. Swelling, or tumor, results from fluid leaking into the tissues. These terms come from Latin: dolor means pain, rubor red, calor heat, and tumor swelling. (A commonly taught addition is functio laesa, loss of function, but the four classic signs focus on pain, redness, heat, and swelling.)

Pain in the classic inflammatory signs is called dolor. When tissue becomes inflamed, chemical mediators like bradykinin and prostaglandins sensitize nerve endings, producing the sensation of pain. This sets dolor apart from the other two primary features, which reflect vascular changes: rubor is redness from increased blood flow and vasodilation, and calor is the accompanying heat from the same process. Swelling, or tumor, results from fluid leaking into the tissues. These terms come from Latin: dolor means pain, rubor red, calor heat, and tumor swelling. (A commonly taught addition is functio laesa, loss of function, but the four classic signs focus on pain, redness, heat, and swelling.)