What physical change accompanies vasodilation during inflammation?

During inflammation, vasodilation occurs as a response to various signals, typically involving the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamines, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide. This widening of the blood vessels increases blood flow to the affected area, which is essential for delivering immune cells, nutrients, and oxygen necessary for tissue repair and combating pathogens.

Increased capillary permeability is a crucial accompanying physical change during this process. It allows not only white blood cells to exit the bloodstream and enter the impaired tissue, but also facilitates the movement of fluid and proteins from the blood into the interstitial space. This influx contributes to the classic signs of inflammation, such as swelling (edema), redness (erythema), and warmth at the site of injury or infection.

Other options present scenarios that do not accurately describe the physiological changes associated with vasodilation in inflammatory responses. For instance, decreased blood flow would contradict the effects of vasodilation, and a reduction in tissue swelling is not consistent with the outcomes of increased capillary permeability, which typically leads to more swelling. Finally, decreased temperature at the site is also inconsistent since vasodilation usually results in increased warmth due to enhanced blood flow. Thus, the increased capillary permeability is indeed the key