6 Questions
What critical role does albumin play in the circulatory system?
Maintains the oncotic pressure between the blood vessels and tissues
What is the consequence of inadequate oncotic pressure in the blood vessels?
Edema in the tissues
What substance primarily contributes to maintaining oncotic pressure in the blood vessels?
Albumin
Which component is less effective than albumin in maintaining blood vessel fluid balance?
Globulins
Which pressure is primarily responsible for forcing fluid out of the capillaries?
Hydrostatic pressure
Where does the fluid tend to accumulate when blood vessel oncotic pressure is insufficient?
Interstitial space
Study Notes
Functions of Albumin
- Albumin helps maintain oncotic pressure between blood vessels and tissues, preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and into tissues.
- Without albumin, fluid would accumulate in tissues, leading to Edema (swelling due to excess fluid).
- Albumin's colloid nature, along with globulins, keeps fluid within blood vessels.
- The oncotic pressure within capillaries is greater than the pressure in the surrounding interstitial space.
- Hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out of the capillary, while oncotic pressure pulls it back in.
- The balance between these two pressures determines the direction of fluid movement.
Learn about the role of albumin in maintaining oncotic pressure and preventing edema. Discover how albumin keeps fluid within blood vessels and understand the concept of edema pit.
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