The document discusses focal infection caused by microorganisms from infected dental sites. It describes the inflammatory response and pulp tissue changes, including degenerative changes like fibrosis, resorption and calcification. It outlines the classic "FISH" zones of reaction to dental infection: the zone of infection, contamination, irritation, and stimulation. It also presents Kronfeld's mountain pass theory, which likens the tissue reaction zones to a mobilized army defending the periapex from bacterial invaders entering through infected root canals.