Which of the following is NOT one of the cardinal signs of inflammation?

The correct answer is necrosis, which is not one of the cardinal signs of inflammation. Inflammation is characterized by four classical signs: rubor (redness), calor (heat), dolor (pain), and tumor (swelling or edema). These signs are direct responses to tissue injury and the body's healing processes, indicating areas of increased blood flow and immune activity as the body works to combat injury or infection.

Necrosis, on the other hand, refers to the death of cells or tissue in a living organism, often due to factors like lack of blood supply, infection, or injury. It is not a sign of inflammation but rather a pathological condition that can result from prolonged inflammation, among other causes. Understanding the distinction between the signs of inflammation and conditions like necrosis is crucial in the fields of athletic training and sports medicine, as it influences assessment, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for injuries.