Starling's Principle

Starling's Principle, also known as the Starling equation, describes how fluid moves in and out of blood vessels. It states that the balance of pressures inside and outside the blood vessels determines fluid movement. Hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid out of the capillaries, while osmotic pressure pulls fluid back in. When these forces are equal, fluid remains balanced. If one pressure increases or decreases too much, it can lead to fluid retention in tissues (edema) or dehydration. Understanding this principle helps in managing conditions related to circulation and fluid balance in the body.