Acute inflammation is a protective process that helps eliminate harmful stimuli and promote tissue repair. It is characterized by increased blood flow, vascular permeability, and migration of white blood cells. The major signs of acute inflammation are heat, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function. Key events in acute inflammation include changes in blood vessels that allow fluid and cells to move between blood vessels and tissues. White blood cells like neutrophils are recruited to destroy pathogens and initiate repair.