The formation of tissue fluid relies on the balance of hydrostatic and oncotic pressures. A student studied a capillary bed and recorded the pressures at both ends of the capillary, as shown in the table below:
| Location | Hydrostatic pressure (kPa\text{kPa}kPa) in Blood | Hydrostatic pressure (kPa\text{kPa}kPa) in Tissue Fluid | Oncotic pressure (kPa\text{kPa}kPa) in Blood | Oncotic pressure (kPa\text{kPa}kPa) in Tissue Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arteriole end | 4.8 | 1.2 | -3.5 | -1.1 |
| Venule end | 2.0 | 1.2 | -3.5 | -1.1 |
Given that the net pressure at the arteriole end is +1.2 kPa+1.2\text{ kPa}+1.2 kPa, calculate the net pressure at the venule end. Be sure to include the correct sign (+++ or −-−) with your answer.
Using the data in the table, explain why tissue fluid forms at the arteriole end but is reabsorbed back into the blood at the venule end.
