Biology Forums - Study Force

A 16-year-old girl has broken her arm while snowboarding. When she arrives at hospital, she is shocked at the amount of swelling at the injury site.
 
  Which of the following statements best explains the physiological rationale for her swelling?
  A)
  Migration and proliferation of mast cells, neutrophils, and platelets to the injury site occupy an increased volume of tissue.
  B)
  Potent vasodilation increases the total volume of vascular space at the site of inflammation.
  C)
  Osmotic flow of plasma into the intravascular space causes increased blood volume and interstitial fluid.
  D)
  Loss of plasma proteins causes an increase in interstitial osmotic pressure.

Ans:
D

Feedback:

Swelling is the result of plasma proteins leaving the interstitial space, resulting in increased osmotic pressure of interstitial fluid and movement of fluid into tissues. Blood components, vasodilation, nor increased intravascular volume accounts for swelling.