pathology behind edema
Edema is a medical term that refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues, resulting in swelling. This condition can occur throughout the body and is often a symptom of an underlying health issue. Let's delve into the detailed pathology behind edema: 1. **Fluid Balance and Capillary Dynamics:** The body maintains a delicate balance of fluids between the intracellular and extracellular compartments. The primary players in regulating fluid movement are blood vessels, especially capillaries. Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels, with thin walls that allow for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues. 2. **Starling's Law of Capillary Exchange:** The movement of fluid across the capillary walls is governed by Starling's Law. According to this law, the balance between hydrostatic pressure (pushing fluid out of the capillaries) and oncotic pressure (pulling fluid