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Interstitial Fluid

Meaning

Interstitial fluid, also known as tissue fluid, is the thin layer of fluid that bathes the cells of the body, existing in the space between the body’s blood capillaries and the cells. It is a key component of the extracellular fluid, serving as the immediate microenvironment for all cells within the tissue. This fluid is derived from blood plasma that filters out of the capillaries and contains water, ions, small solutes, and waste products from cellular metabolism. Maintaining the precise composition and volume of the interstitial fluid is critical for cellular homeostasis, nutrient delivery, and the removal of metabolic waste. Dysfunction in interstitial fluid dynamics can contribute to edema and impaired cellular signaling, impacting overall tissue health and hormonal communication.