What occurs when filtration is greater than reabsorption in the body?

When filtration in the body is greater than reabsorption, it leads to the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial spaces, resulting in edema. Filtration refers to the process by which fluids and solutes are forced out of the capillaries into the surrounding tissues, whereas reabsorption is the process of taking back some of this fluid and solutes into the bloodstream.

In normal physiological conditions, there is a balance between these two processes, allowing for homeostasis. However, when filtration exceeds reabsorption, the excess fluid that cannot be returned to the vascular system leads to swelling and the characteristic signs of edema. Conditions such as increased hydrostatic pressure, decreased oncotic pressure, or inflammation can cause this imbalance, resulting in localized or generalized edema depending on the underlying cause.