What is colloid osmotic pressure?
Colloid osmotic pressure, also referred to as oncotic pressure, is a measurement of pressure exerted within the cardiovascular system by proteins found in blood plasma. The special nature of these protein cells helps ensure that fluids pass in and out of the capillaries at the proper rate. Maintaining the proper colloid osmotic pressure ensures that the body tissues maintain the proper levels of liquid and that too much liquid does not escape from the capillaries. Under normal conditions, colloid osmotic pressure tends to cause fluid to be drawn into the capillaries. Variations in colloid osmotic pressure can lead to buildup of fluid in the tissues, a condition known as edema. Osmotic pressure in general refers to the pressure that must be maintained on either side of a cell membrane to prevent a solution, or solids dissolved in a liquid, from passing through that cell membrane. Colloidal osmotic pressure refers specifically to the relevant pressure for a solution of plasma proteins. P
