What Causes Hydrostatic Pressure in the Blood?
Quick Answer
According to the School of Nursing and Academic Division of Midwifery at the University of Nottingham, hydrostatic pressure is a type of pressure that is exerted by the blood onto the capillary walls in humans. As blood moves through the capillaries, the hydrostatic pressure drives the blood out of the capillary into the interstitial space.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Capillaries and tissues can exhibit a hydrostatic pressure, according to Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts from Dr. Richard E. Klabunde. Capillary hydrostatic pressure is responsible for the movement of blood and solutes into the interstitial space. Tissue hydrostatic pressure is responsible for filtering solutes out of the tissues into the tissue interstitial space. Both types of hydrostatic pressure are dependent on blood and fluid volumes in the body.
Dr. Klabunde states that in capillaries, the hydrostatic pressure is higher at the arteriolar end of the capillaries and lower at the venular end. This change is pressure allows a gradient to form so that solutes can be filtered in and out of the capillary. In tissues, a similar change in pressure is developed by the compliance of the tissue interstitial and by the volume of the interstitial fluid. Other types of pressure that are important for filtration of the capillaries and the tissues include capillary plasma oncotic pressure and tissue oncotic pressure.
Learn more about BloodRelated Questions
-
Q:
Is Blood Blue or Red?
A: Blood in humans is red, not blue. It is a misconception that human blood is blue and turns red upon touching oxygen in the air. Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Many Blood Groups Do Humans Have?
A: There are a total of eight blood groups in humans, determined by the presence or absence of antigens and antibodies. The groups are type O positive and neg... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is Normal Blood Pressure for a Child?
A: There isn't a specified blood pressure level that is considered normal for all children, says the American Heart Association. Normal blood pressure varies ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Is Blood Pressure Regulated in the Body?
A: Blood pressure is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the kidneys, according to researchers from Chri... Full Answer >Filed Under:
