Skip to main content

Interstitial Fluid Pressure

Meaning

Interstitial Fluid Pressure (IFP) is the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the interstitial fluid within the fluid-filled spaces that surround and bathe the body’s cells and tissues. This pressure is a crucial physical determinant of fluid exchange across the capillary wall, acting as one of the four Starling forces that regulate fluid movement between the blood plasma and the tissue matrix. A normal, slightly negative or near-zero IFP is vital for maintaining tissue hydration and facilitating nutrient and waste exchange. Significant alterations in this pressure can lead to edema or tissue damage.