Capillary exchange

This episode examine capillary exchange and the physiological mechanisms that govern how gases, fluids, and nutrients move between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues through processes such as diffusion, transcytosis, and bulk flow. They detail how hydrostatic and osmotic pressures dictate whether fluid undergoes filtration or reabsorption, and explain how the lymphatic system manages excess interstitial fluid to prevent conditions like edema. Additionally, the texts explore bioengineering innovations used to construct functional vessel-on-a-chip networks via acoustofluidics, utilizing sound waves to arrange endothelial cells into precise geometries. These in vitro models help researchers analyze vascular barrier function, permeability, and drug delivery systems using computational atomistic simulations and co-culture techniques.