How does inflammation affect nerve endings?

Inflammation plays a significant role in how nerve endings function. When inflammation occurs, it often leads to a localized increase in swelling and pressure within tissues. This pressure can compress nerve endings, resulting in altered sensory responses, such as pain or heightened sensitivity in the affected area.

The other options, while they could seem plausible, do not accurately reflect the impact of inflammation on nerve endings. For example, desensitization typically involves a reduction in nerve response, which is not a direct effect of inflammation. Stimulation might suggest increased activity of the nerve endings, but in the context of inflammation, it usually leads to irritation and sensitivity rather than true stimulation. Regeneration refers to the healing and repairing processes of nerve tissue, which is not a direct consequence of inflammation itself but follows after inflammatory processes have subsided and any injury has begun to heal.

In summary, the correct answer highlights the compressive effect of inflammation on nerve endings, explaining why individuals often experience pain and sensitivity in inflamed tissues.