Edema is caused by an imbalance in colloid osmotic pressures on both sides of capillary membranes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Edema occurs when there is an imbalance in the forces that regulate the movement of fluid across capillary walls, including the colloid osmotic pressures (also known as oncotic pressures) which are crucial for maintaining fluid balance between the intravascular (inside blood vessels) and extravascular (outside blood vessels) spaces. When the colloid osmotic pressure inside the capillaries is lower than that in the tissue, fluid accumulates in the interstitial spaces, leading to edema.

Edema Is Caused by an Imbalance in Colloid Osmotic Pressures