The accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body is known as

• A. Dehydration
• B. Edema
• C. Inflammation
• D. Swelling

Answer: (B)

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissue spaces, where excess fluid builds up in the interstitial areas between cells. This happens when the balance of forces that move fluid across capillary walls is disrupted or when the lymphatic drainage that removes fluid is impaired. For example, higher capillary pressure, lower plasma proteins that pull fluid back into vessels, or blocked lymphatics can all lead to fluid leaking into and pooling in the tissues.

This concept is distinct from dehydration, which means there’s a lack of total body water rather than a local buildup in tissues. It’s also different from inflammation, which is an immune response that can cause swelling as one symptom but involves immune activity, redness, heat, and pain beyond just fluid accumulation. Swelling is a general term for enlarged tissue, and edema is the specific medical term for the fluid accumulation that causes that swelling.