Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of inflammation?

Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is characterized by specific signs that reflect the body's immune response. The primary characteristics of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Redness results from increased blood flow to the affected area, while heat also arises from this increased blood circulation. Swelling occurs due to the accumulation of fluid and cells in the tissues.

While pus formation may occur as a result of inflammation, particularly in cases involving infections where there is a significant presence of white blood cells, it is not a universal characteristic of inflammation. Pus itself is a byproduct of the immune response and often indicates a particular type of inflammatory reaction, such as in bacterial infections. However, the general definition of inflammation does not inherently include pus as a characteristic. Therefore, it is accurate to state that pus formation does not define inflammation as a fundamental characteristic, distinguishing it from the primary signs associated with the inflammatory process.