Kudosväliaine

Kudosväliaine, also known as interstitial fluid, is the fluid found in the spaces between cells in tissues. It is a crucial component of the extracellular matrix and plays a vital role in the transport of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and the cells. This fluid is essentially filtered plasma, meaning it contains many of the same components as blood plasma, but with fewer large proteins.

The formation of kudosväliaine begins in the capillaries, where hydrostatic pressure forces fluid and small solutes out of the bloodstream into the surrounding tissue. This fluid then bathes the cells, providing them with oxygen and nutrients while picking up carbon dioxide and metabolic waste. The majority of kudosväliaine is then reabsorbed back into the capillaries due to osmotic pressure, which is primarily driven by the concentration of proteins remaining in the blood. A smaller portion enters the lymphatic system, becoming lymph, which eventually returns to the bloodstream.

The composition and volume of kudosväliaine are carefully regulated by the body to maintain tissue homeostasis. Disruptions in this regulation can lead to edema, which is the accumulation of excess kudosväliaine in the tissues, causing swelling. Factors such as increased capillary pressure, decreased plasma protein levels, or impaired lymphatic drainage can contribute to edema. Understanding the dynamics of kudosväliaine is essential for comprehending many physiological processes and pathological conditions.