Anatomy Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by swelling due to fluid accumulation?

1. Hypertension

2. Edema

3. Hemorrhage

4. Inflammation

The correct answer is: Edema

The condition characterized by swelling due to fluid accumulation is edema. Edema occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues, leading to noticeable swelling in various parts of the body, most commonly in the extremities, such as the legs, ankles, and feet. This accumulation can result from various factors, including injury, heart failure, kidney problems, or even prolonged standing. Understanding edema further involves recognizing that it can be classified into different types, such as localized or generalized edema, and can be caused by a variety of physiological processes. For example, when the capillaries become more permeable due to inflammation, fluid leaks out, leading to localized swelling. In contrast, the other conditions listed—hypertension, hemorrhage, and inflammation—do not specifically denote swelling due to fluid accumulation in the tissues. Hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure, hemorrhage involves the loss of blood from the circulatory system, and inflammation is a broader response to injury or infection that can occur without any immediate fluid accumulation, although it may lead to secondary edema. Thus, the clear definition and characteristics of edema make it the correct answer for this question.