Which of the following is NOT a sign of inflammation?

Bruising is typically the result of trauma causing blood vessels to break beneath the skin, leading to the leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues. While bruises can appear inflamed, they are not a direct sign of the inflammatory response itself. The inflammatory response is characterized by specific signs including redness, swelling, and tenderness. These signs result from increased blood flow and the accumulation of inflammatory mediators in response to injury or infection.

Redness occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels as more blood flows to the affected area. Swelling is caused by the accumulation of fluids and immune cells that migrate to the site of injury. Tenderness often accompanies these signs as the body becomes more sensitive to pain in response to inflammation. Therefore, bruises, while they may be associated with injury, do not represent the typical physiological signs of inflammation.