Function

The exudate in acute inflammation has several suggested roles:

• transport antibodies into the damaged region which:
  • neutralize toxins
  • coat microbes, thus assisting phagocytic recognition
• dilution of toxins by an increased volume effect
• forming a clot as a physical barrier to injurious agent or loss of blood
• causing pain and swelling of region to encourage the organism to protect the damaged part
• drainage of inflamed area to local lymphatics whereby an immunological response can be mounted