Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

Capillary Fluid Exchange and Edema Tutorial 

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1. What physical forces and capillary features regulate transcapillary fluid exchange?  click here

2. How do changes in tissue (interstitial) and plasma hydrostatic and oncotic pressures affect transcapillary fluid movement?  click here

3. How do changes in each of the following affect capillary pressure: arterial and venous pressures, pre- and postcapillary resistances.  click here

4. What determines the rate of fluid movement across capillaries for a given net driving force of hydrostatic and oncotic pressures?  click here

5. Why do changes in venous pressure have a greater affect on capillary pressure than changes in arterial pressure?  click here

6. Why does oncotic pressure (colloid osmotic pressure) rather than total osmotic pressure governs fluid exchange across the capillary?  click here

7. What is the significance of the reflection coefficient for proteins in terms of how it affects the oncotic pressure generated by proteins?  click here

8. How do lymphatics function in the maintenance of interstitial fluid volume?  click here

9. What changes in capillary hydrostatic pressure, plasma oncotic pressure, capillary permeability, and lymphatic function can lead to tissue edema?  click here

10. What can be done to prevent edema or to treat edema once it occurs?  click here

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.

© 1999-2008 Richard E. Klabunde, all rights reserved.