Transport of biomolecules to tissues takes place through capillary walls by both convection and diffusion. Consider an endothelium in which the gaps between the cells are characterized by the following dimensions: L=1 µm long, h=200 nm high, and W=10 nm in width (the last dimension is the distance between the two cells). The fluid is at 37degC and has the same properties as physiologic saline. Let the average pressure in the capillary be 45 mm Hg and let the pressure in the tissue be 0 mm Hg (ignore osmotic effects). Consider a small solute that has a diffusion coefficient of 1x10-5 cm2/s. Does this solute pass across the endothelium by diffusion or is it primarily carried by flow?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Transport of biomolecules to tissues takes place through capillary walls by both convection and diffusion. Consider an endothelium in which the gaps between the cells are characterized by the following dimensions: L=1 µm long, h=200 nm high, and W=10 nm in width (the last dimension is the distance between the two cells). The fluid is at 37degC and has the same properties as physiologic saline. Let the average pressure in the capillary be 45 mm Hg and let the pressure in the tissue be 0 mm Hg (ignore osmotic effects). Consider a small solute that has a diffusion coefficient of 1x10-5 cm2/s. Does this solute pass across the endothelium by diffusion or is it primarily carried by flow?
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