Question

During starvation, the body starts breaking down proteins, including the large proteins in the plasma. This causes edema in tissues due to a reduction in ___________ (hydrostatic or oncotic) pressure in the __________ (capillaries or interstitial space)

Answer 1

Answer:

Starvation causes a reduction in the oncotic pressure in the cappilaries, thus causing edema in the tissues.

Explanation:

Starvation is the extreme form of malnutrition, in which the caloric energy intake of an individual is much lower than required. The cells of the body start the breakdown of proteins, after the fat stores get exhausted. This reduces the oncotic pressure or the colloidal pressure in the blood vessels or capillaries of the body, thereby causing edema.

Edema is a medical condition, which involves the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitium and cavities of the body.