Uable to find correct answer:
In general it is expected_____________
A) hydrostatic pressure will remain constant throughout the capillary bed
B) osmotic pressure will be higher in the arteriole end of the capillary bed compared to the venous end
C) osmotic pressure will be lower in the arteriole end of the capillary bed compared to the venous end
D) osmotic pressure will remain relatively consistent throughout the capillary bed
To find the correct answer to the question, we can start by understanding the concept of hydrostatic pressure and osmotic pressure in the capillary bed.
Hydrostatic pressure refers to the force exerted by a fluid in a confined space. In the context of the capillary bed, hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the capillaries. This pressure is generated by the pumping action of the heart and tends to force fluid out of the capillaries.
Osmotic pressure, on the other hand, is the pressure exerted by the concentration of solutes dissolved in a fluid. In the capillary bed, osmotic pressure is primarily due to the presence of proteins in the blood plasma. This pressure tends to draw fluid into the capillaries.
Now, let's analyze the options:
A) Hydrostatic pressure will remain constant throughout the capillary bed.
Hydrostatic pressure decreases as blood flows through the capillaries due to resistance from the capillary walls, and as fluid moves out of the capillaries. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
B) Osmotic pressure will be higher in the arteriole end of the capillary bed compared to the venous end.
Osmotic pressure remains relatively constant throughout the capillary bed. As fluid filters out of the capillary bed due to hydrostatic pressure, the concentration of proteins in the blood plasma increases slightly but is balanced by the reabsorption of fluid. Thus, this option is also incorrect.
C) Osmotic pressure will be lower in the arteriole end of the capillary bed compared to the venous end.
This statement is correct. Osmotic pressure does not change significantly along the capillary bed, as there is a consistent concentration of proteins in the blood plasma. Thus, the answer is option C.
D) Osmotic pressure will remain relatively consistent throughout the capillary bed.
This statement is correct, making option D another potential correct answer. However, as the question asks for the expected behavior, option C is a more precise answer.
Therefore, the correct answer is C) osmotic pressure will be lower in the arteriole end of the capillary bed compared to the venous end.