Define 'exudate' in the context of wound healing.

Exudate is defined as the fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into a wound during the healing process. This fluid is rich in proteins, leukocytes, and nutrients, which are essential for tissue repair and healing. During inflammation, increased vascular permeability allows the fluids to escape from the blood vessels, leading to swelling and the formation of exudate in the affected area.

The presence of exudate is a normal and necessary component of wound healing, as it helps provide a moist environment, contains growth factors that stimulate healing, and serves as a medium for the delivery of immune cells to fight infection. In summary, exudate plays a critical role in the healing process by facilitating tissue repair and providing a defense mechanism against pathogens.