ekstravaskulaariseen

Extravascular refers to any location or process occurring outside of a blood vessel. In biological and medical contexts, it contrasts with intravascular, which describes something within a blood vessel. This term is broadly applicable and can describe the movement of substances, the location of cells, or pathological conditions.

For example, extravascular fluid is the fluid found in the tissues surrounding cells, also known as interstitial fluid. Cells themselves reside in extravascular spaces unless they are circulating in the bloodstream. Many drugs are designed to reach extravascular targets, meaning they need to cross the vessel walls to exert their effects on tissues and organs.

Inflammation is a common extravascular process, where immune cells and fluid accumulate in the tissues to fight infection or injury. Similarly, certain types of bleeding can be described as extravascular if the blood leaks out of the vessels and into the surrounding tissues, forming a hematoma. Imaging techniques are often used to visualize and assess extravascular abnormalities, helping diagnose a variety of medical conditions. Understanding the extravascular compartment is crucial for comprehending physiological functions and the pathophysiology of diseases.