Interstitial fluid colloidal osmotic pressure (IFCOP)

Definition

Interstitial fluid colloidal osmotic pressure (IFCOP) is the pulling force exerted by proteins in the interstitial fluid, which attracts water from the blood plasma through capillary walls. This pressure helps to maintain the balance of fluid between blood vessels and body tissues during capillary exchange.

Related terms

Capillary hydrostatic pressure: The pushing force exerted by blood against the capillary wall, driving fluids out of the capillaries into the interstitial spaces.

Osmosis: The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Oncotic pressure: Also known as colloid osmotic pressure, it is the form of osmotic pressure exerted by proteins, either in the blood plasma or interstitial fluid, which influences the movement of fluids through capillary walls