Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 18 - Section 18.1 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 705: 6

Answer

Colloid osmotic pressure, also known as oncotic pressure, is a component of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins (especially albumin) present in the blood plasma. It is a key force that contributes to the movement of fluids across the walls of capillaries and regulates the distribution of fluids between the blood and the surrounding tissues. When blood plasma flows through the capillaries, there is a filtration process occurring due to the hydrostatic pressure of the blood. This pressure tends to push fluid out of the capillaries and into the surrounding tissues. Colloid osmotic pressure acts in opposition to this filtration process. The colloid osmotic pressure is created by the presence of proteins, primarily albumin, in the blood plasma. Proteins are relatively large solutes that cannot easily pass through the capillary walls. As a result, they create an osmotic gradient that draws water from the surrounding tissues back into the capillaries. This helps to balance the outward hydrostatic pressure and prevent excessive fluid loss from the blood vessels into the tissues. In summary, colloid osmotic pressure is the osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in the blood plasma that draws fluid back into the capillaries, counteracting the hydrostatic pressure and helping to maintain the balance of fluid distribution between blood and tissues. This process is vital for preventing the buildup of excess interstitial fluid in the tissues and ensuring efficient exchange of nutrients and waste products.

Work Step by Step

Colloid osmotic pressure, also known as oncotic pressure, is a component of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins (especially albumin) present in the blood plasma. It is a key force that contributes to the movement of fluids across the walls of capillaries and regulates the distribution of fluids between the blood and the surrounding tissues. When blood plasma flows through the capillaries, there is a filtration process occurring due to the hydrostatic pressure of the blood. This pressure tends to push fluid out of the capillaries and into the surrounding tissues. Colloid osmotic pressure acts in opposition to this filtration process. The colloid osmotic pressure is created by the presence of proteins, primarily albumin, in the blood plasma. Proteins are relatively large solutes that cannot easily pass through the capillary walls. As a result, they create an osmotic gradient that draws water from the surrounding tissues back into the capillaries. This helps to balance the outward hydrostatic pressure and prevent excessive fluid loss from the blood vessels into the tissues. In summary, colloid osmotic pressure is the osmotic pressure exerted by proteins in the blood plasma that draws fluid back into the capillaries, counteracting the hydrostatic pressure and helping to maintain the balance of fluid distribution between blood and tissues. This process is vital for preventing the buildup of excess interstitial fluid in the tissues and ensuring efficient exchange of nutrients and waste products.
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