VPB 121: Veterinary Physiology - II (2+1)

FLUID EXCHANGE

• Continuous exchange of water and solutes between the alveolar epithelium and interstitial cells through interstitial septum
• Hydrostatic and oncotic pressures also favors fluid exchange
• Diffusible particles get exchanged
• Alveolar epithelium is impermeable to certain substances, hence prevents the leak of fluid into the alveoli
• The fluid between pleura has less protein, lubricates the pleura
• Fluid from the interstitium as well as pleural fluids are cleared by lymphatic system and by pumping of the lung during respiration