Edema is a condition in which excess serous fluid accumulates in the body cavity or interstitial space of connective tissues. Edema is a sign observed in several medical conditions. Fluid dynamics in the body depend on body fluid compartments Body fluid compartments The adult human body is made up of 60% water and is divided into extracellular and intracellular fluid compartments. Extracellular fluid is present outside the cells and makes up two-thirds of the total body water. Intracellular fluid is present inside the cells and makes up two-thirds of the total body water. Body Fluid Compartments, fluid osmolarity Osmolarity The concentration of osmotically active particles in solution expressed in terms of osmoles of solute per liter of solution. Osmolality is expressed in terms of osmoles of solute per kilogram of solvent. Hypernatremia, and Starling forces Starling Forces Capillaries: Histology. Edema can be categorized into 2 types, namely, peripheral (in the extremities) and internal (in an organ or body cavity). Symptoms vary depending on location of the edema.
Last updated: 29 Apr, 2022
Image demonstrating body fluid compartments Body fluid compartments The adult human body is made up of 60% water and is divided into extracellular and intracellular fluid compartments. Extracellular fluid is present outside the cells and makes up two-thirds of the total body water. Intracellular fluid is present inside the cells and makes up two-thirds of the total body water. Body Fluid Compartments and the division by intracellular and extracellular fluid Extracellular fluid The fluid of the body that is outside of cells. It is the external environment for the cells. Body Fluid Compartments
Image by Lecturio.Diagram and chart showing fluid distribution and their respective
cations
Cations
Positively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the cathode or negative pole during electrolysis.
Electrolytes and
anions
Anions
Negatively charged atoms, radicals or groups of atoms which travel to the anode or positive pole during electrolysis.
Electrolytes:
Notice that K+ levels are the highest in cells and Na+ levels are the highest in the
plasma
Plasma
The residual portion of blood that is left after removal of blood cells by centrifugation without prior blood coagulation.
Transfusion Products.
Diagram of Starling’s Law in a systemic capillary:
Shows the location and computation of intra and extraluminal forces to calculate pressures of filtration and of
absorption
Absorption
Absorption involves the uptake of nutrient molecules and their transfer from the lumen of the GI tract across the enterocytes and into the interstitial space, where they can be taken up in the venous or lymphatic circulation.
Digestion and Absorption.
HP: hydrostatic pressure
OP: oncotic pressure
Peripheral edema is the swelling Swelling Inflammation of the gravity-dependent extremities (more common in the lower limbs, distal > proximal). Although peripheral edema is typically painless, it can cause discomfort from swelling Swelling Inflammation and pose difficulty in walking.
Subtypes:
Lymphedema Lymphedema Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes. Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis): Notice the asymmetrical deposition of fluid.
Image: “ Lymphedema Lymphedema Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes. Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis)” by Cannon S. License: CC BY 3.0, cropped by Lecturio.Myxedema
Image: “Myxedema” by Herbert L et al AL Amyloidosis. License: CC BY 2.0, cropped by Lecturio.
Abdominal wall
Abdominal wall
The outer margins of the abdomen, extending from the osteocartilaginous thoracic cage to the pelvis. Though its major part is muscular, the abdominal wall consists of at least seven layers: the skin, subcutaneous fat, deep fascia; abdominal muscles, transversalis fascia, extraperitoneal fat, and the parietal peritoneum.
Surgical Anatomy of the Abdomen
cellulitis
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common infection caused by bacteria that affects the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the skin. It is frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The skin infection presents as an erythematous and edematous area with warmth and tenderness.
Cellulitis:
Image showing marked pitting edema and
erythema
Erythema
Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of disease processes.
Chalazion with poorly demarcated borders due to
cellulitis
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common infection caused by bacteria that affects the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the skin. It is frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The skin infection presents as an erythematous and edematous area with warmth and tenderness.
Cellulitis
The following conditions commonly lead to edema: