What is a basic function of interstitial fluid?

What is a basic function of interstitial fluid?

• A. Provides nutrients to cells
• B. Carries oxygen to the lungs
• C. Regulates body temperature
• D. Produces hormones

Answer: (A)

Interstitial fluid bathes tissue cells and forms part of the extracellular environment that surrounds them. Its main job is to act as the medium through which nutrients and other substances pass from the blood to the cells, and wastes move from cells back into the blood for removal. In this way, nutrients like glucose and amino acids diffuse from capillaries into the interstitial space and then into cells. Oxygen transport to the lungs isn’t carried out by interstitial fluid; oxygen moves from the air in the lungs into the blood, and then to tissues. Temperature regulation involves blood flow and skin responses more broadly than this fluid alone. Hormone production occurs in glands, with hormones circulating through the bloodstream rather than being produced by interstitial fluid.

Interstitial fluid bathes tissue cells and forms part of the extracellular environment that surrounds them. Its main job is to act as the medium through which nutrients and other substances pass from the blood to the cells, and wastes move from cells back into the blood for removal. In this way, nutrients like glucose and amino acids diffuse from capillaries into the interstitial space and then into cells.

Oxygen transport to the lungs isn’t carried out by interstitial fluid; oxygen moves from the air in the lungs into the blood, and then to tissues. Temperature regulation involves blood flow and skin responses more broadly than this fluid alone. Hormone production occurs in glands, with hormones circulating through the bloodstream rather than being produced by interstitial fluid.