Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 15

An increase in the amount of serous fluid is called a/an:

A. Exudate

B. Transudate

C. Effusion

D. Malignancy

Step 1 of 2

Serous fluid:

The fluid that is present between the serous membranes is termed as serous fluid.

Production of serous fluid:

Serous fluids are generated as ultra filtrates of plasma.

• The production of serous fluid is controlled by hydrostatic pressure, oncotic pressure, and permeability produced in the capillaries present in the cavities

• Normally, only a small amount of serous fluid will be present in the serous membrane

• Because, the capillaries maintain the continuous exchange of serous fluid in the serous membrane by producing and absorbing the fluid at constant rate

• Sometimes, the parietal and visceral capillaries produce some excess serous fluid due to slight different amount of positive pressure

• But, these excess amounts of fluid are reabsorbed by the lymphatic capillaries present in the serous membranes

• Disruption of production and absorption mechanism in the serous fluid formation causes an excess fluid in the membranes. The increase of serous fluid in the membranes is termed as effusion

• Increased hydrostatic pressure, decreased oncotic pressure, increased permeability, and lymphatic obstruction are the causes of effusion

Therefore, the term “effusion” indicates that there is an increase in amount of serous fluid. Hence, the correct answer is option.