The alveolar interstitial region of the lungs remains relatively "dry" primarily because of what?
a. Low capillary hydrostatic pressure
b. Low capillary osmotic pressure
c. Low capillary permeability
d. Low interstitial osmotic pressure
ANS: A
To minimize interstitial fluid in the alveolar-capillary region, the hydrostatic pressure difference must be kept low. The pulmonary circulation is in fact a low-pressure system. The mean pulmo-nary vascular pressures are approximately one-sixth of those in the systemic circulation. Colloid osmotic pressure exceeds hydrostatic forces across the entire length of the pulmonary capillaries in healthy individuals.
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