Capillary hydrostatic pressure (CHP)

Definition

Capillary hydrostatic pressure (CHP) is the force exerted by the blood against the capillary walls, facilitating the movement of fluid, nutrients, and waste products between capillaries and tissues. It plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance across capillary membranes.

Related terms

Osmotic pressure: The force caused by solute differences across a membrane that draws water towards higher concentrations of solutes.

Filtration:

The process by which fluid and its substances are transported out of the bloodstream into the surrounding tissue due to hydrostatic pressure differences.

Edema:

A condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in body tissues, often resulting from imbalances in hydrostatic and osmotic pressures