Vävnadsvätska

Vävnadsvätska, also known as interstitial fluid, is the fluid found in the spaces between cells in animal tissues. It is derived from blood plasma that has filtered out of capillaries. This fluid plays a crucial role in the transport of nutrients and oxygen to the cells, as well as the removal of waste products and carbon dioxide from them.

The composition of vävnadsvätska is similar to blood plasma but with a much lower concentration of large proteins, as these molecules generally cannot pass through the capillary walls. It contains water, ions, small molecules like glucose and amino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters. The fluid is in constant motion, being formed and reabsorbed within the interstitial spaces.

The formation of vävnadsvätska is driven by hydrostatic pressure within the capillaries, which pushes fluid out, and osmotic pressure, which draws fluid back in. Lymphatic vessels are also important as they collect excess vävnadsvätska that is not reabsorbed by the capillaries. This collected fluid, now called lymph, is then returned to the bloodstream.

Disruptions in the balance of vävnadsvätska formation and reabsorption can lead to edema, a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces, causing swelling. This can be caused by various factors, including heart failure, kidney disease, or inflammation. Therefore, maintaining the proper volume and composition of vävnadsvätska is essential for maintaining tissue health and overall physiological function.