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Multiple Choice

What occurs during capillary exchange?

Capillary exchange is the movement of fluids and dissolved substances between the blood in the capillaries and the surrounding interstitial fluid. This transfer happens as substances diffuse through the capillary wall and as fluid moves driven by pressure differences: hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out into the interstitial space, while oncotic (protein) pressure pulls fluid back in. Through this exchange, tissues receive nutrients and oxygen and wastes are carried away. Gas exchange with air in the lungs is a separate process, and lymphatic drainage removes excess interstitial fluid rather than representing capillary exchange itself.

Capillary exchange is the movement of fluids and dissolved substances between the blood in the capillaries and the surrounding interstitial fluid. This transfer happens as substances diffuse through the capillary wall and as fluid moves driven by pressure differences: hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out into the interstitial space, while oncotic (protein) pressure pulls fluid back in. Through this exchange, tissues receive nutrients and oxygen and wastes are carried away. Gas exchange with air in the lungs is a separate process, and lymphatic drainage removes excess interstitial fluid rather than representing capillary exchange itself.