Capillary Exchange: The Battle of Forces

At the arterial end of the capillary bed, there is a hydrostatic force of 35 millimeters of mercury pushing fluid out, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Simultaneously, the inward pulling force in the form of the oncotic pressure remains at 25 millimeters of mercury, effectively pushing out fluid. However, at the venous end, the hydrostatic pressure drops to 15 millimeters of mercury, while the oncotic pressure remains at 25. This results in a net inward pulling force of 10 millimeters of mercury, reclaiming water, carbon dioxide, and waste back into the capillary bed.