Edema is defined as what?

Edema is defined as what?

• A. Decreased blood flow
• B. Inflammation of tissues
• C. Accumulation of fluid in tissues
• D. Infection of the skin

Answer: (C)

Edema is swelling caused by accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues. It happens when fluid leaks out of capillaries into the surrounding tissue faster than it can be reabsorbed or drained by the lymphatic system. Several mechanisms can drive this, including higher capillary hydrostatic pressure, lower blood/plasma oncotic pressure, increased capillary permeability, or impaired lymphatic drainage. This is a fluid buildup in tissues rather than a direct result of reduced blood flow, an infection, or an inflammation of tissue, though inflammation can contribute to edema by increasing permeability. So the definition that describes accumulation of fluid in tissues best captures what edema is.

Edema is swelling caused by accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces of tissues. It happens when fluid leaks out of capillaries into the surrounding tissue faster than it can be reabsorbed or drained by the lymphatic system. Several mechanisms can drive this, including higher capillary hydrostatic pressure, lower blood/plasma oncotic pressure, increased capillary permeability, or impaired lymphatic drainage. This is a fluid buildup in tissues rather than a direct result of reduced blood flow, an infection, or an inflammation of tissue, though inflammation can contribute to edema by increasing permeability. So the definition that describes accumulation of fluid in tissues best captures what edema is.