Chapter 53.3, Problem 1CS

Core Skill: Modeling The goal of this modeling challenge is to make a model that depicts the relative movement of fluid between a capillary and the interstitial fluid when the amount of protein in an animal's blood is abnormally low.

Model of fluid movement into and out of a capillary

Modeling Challenge: In the simplified model of fluid movement between a capillary and interstitial fluid on the right, two sets of arrows are used to indicate the net movement of fluid at two places along a capillary: near the arteriole and near the venule. The length of an arrow represents the relative amount of fluid moving from one compartment to the other. Let’s assume that the protein concentration of the blood becomes lower than normal (this could happen, for example, in a malnourished animal). Draw a model like the one given with arrows showing the relative fluid movements at the arterial and venule ends of the capillary under these new conditions. Remember to use the length of an arrow to indicate the relative amount of fluid movement; a longer arrow represents a greater amount of fluid moving into or out of the capillary.