only in taxon only_in_taxon in taxon defense response inflammatory response Wikipedia:Inflammation GO:0006954 inflammation biological_process The immediate defensive reaction (by vertebrate tissue) to infection or injury caused by chemical or physical agents. The process is characterized by local vasodilation, extravasation of plasma into intercellular spaces and accumulation of white blood cells and macrophages. Vertebrata <Metazoa> Vertebrata <vertebrates>