väliaineliuokseen

Väliaineliuokseen, often translated as interstitial fluid, is the fluid that fills the spaces between cells in the body. It is a crucial component of the extracellular fluid, which also includes plasma and lymph. This fluid plays a vital role in transporting nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and other essential substances to the cells, and in removing waste products and carbon dioxide from them.

The formation of interstitial fluid is primarily driven by filtration across the thin walls of capillaries. Blood plasma filters out of the capillaries, leaving behind most of the larger molecules like proteins and blood cells. This filtered fluid then becomes interstitial fluid. Its composition is similar to plasma but with a lower concentration of proteins.

The movement of substances between the blood, interstitial fluid, and cells is a continuous process. Nutrients and oxygen diffuse from the capillaries into the interstitial fluid and then into the cells. Conversely, waste products and carbon dioxide move from the cells into the interstitial fluid and then back into the capillaries or lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system collects excess interstitial fluid, which is then returned to the bloodstream as lymph.

Maintaining the correct volume and composition of interstitial fluid is essential for cellular function and overall tissue health. Imbalances can lead to edema, a condition characterized by swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces.