interstitial fluid
Quick Summary
Interstitial fluid is a type of extracellular fluid found in the spaces between cells in multicellular organisms. It plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients, waste products, and other substances throughout the body's tissues.12
Interstitial fluid is almost identical to blood plasma but contains significantly less protein. It is separated from intracellular fluid (the fluid within cells) by the cell membrane. The balance of ions and fluid between interstitial and intracellular compartments is vital for cell function, hydration, and maintaining cell volume. Abnormalities in kidney function can significantly impact the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, potentially leading to conditions like edema (fluid retention) or dehydration.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
boneEvolutionary origin and significanceMarine invertebrates exhibit interstitial fluid compositions essentially the same as that of the surrounding seawater. Early signs of regulability are seen in cyclostomes and elasmobranchs, but only at or above the level of true bone fishes does the composition of the internal body fluids become constant. The mechanisms…
Read MoreMarine invertebrates exhibit interstitial fluid compositions essentially the same as that of the surrounding seawater. Early signs of regulability are seen in cyclostomes and elasmobranchs, but only at or above the level of true bone fishes does the composition of the internal body fluids become constant. The mechanisms…
Read More
lymphatic systemLymphatic circulation…plasma that escapes is called interstitial or extracellular fluid, and it contains oxygen, glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients needed by tissue cells. Although most of this fluid seeps immediately back into the bloodstream, a percentage of it, along with the particulate matter, is left behind. The lymphatic system removes…
Read More…plasma that escapes is called interstitial or extracellular fluid, and it contains oxygen, glucose, amino acids, and other nutrients needed by tissue cells. Although most of this fluid seeps immediately back into the bloodstream, a percentage of it, along with the particulate matter, is left behind. The lymphatic system removes…
Read More
human diseaseFluid and electrolyte balance…fluid is known as the interstitial fluid. These fluids are not simply water but contain varying amounts of solutes (electrolytes and other bioactive molecules). An electrolyte (sodium chloride, for example) is defined as any molecule that in solution separates into its ionic components and is capable of conducting an electric…
Read More…fluid is known as the interstitial fluid. These fluids are not simply water but contain varying amounts of solutes (electrolytes and other bioactive molecules). An electrolyte (sodium chloride, for example) is defined as any molecule that in solution separates into its ionic components and is capable of conducting an electric…
Read More
human respiratory systemThe gas-exchange regionIt contains connective tissue and interstitial fluid. The connective tissue comprises a system of fibres, amorphous ground substance, and cells (mainly fibroblasts), which seem to be endowed with contractile properties. The fibroblasts are thought to control capillary blood flow or, alternatively, to prevent the accumulation of extracellular fluid in the…
Read MoreIt contains connective tissue and interstitial fluid. The connective tissue comprises a system of fibres, amorphous ground substance, and cells (mainly fibroblasts), which seem to be endowed with contractile properties. The fibroblasts are thought to control capillary blood flow or, alternatively, to prevent the accumulation of extracellular fluid in the…
Read More