Starling forces describe the movement of fluids between the vasculature and interstitial spaces. Fluid movement is determined by the balance of hydrostatic and osmotic pressure gradients 1.
Starling forces
Net pressure = [ (Pc - Pi) - (pc - pi) ]
where:
- Pc = hydrostatic pressure of the capillary
- Pi = hydrostatic pressure of the interstitium
- pc = osmotic pressure of the capillary
- pi = oncotic pressure of the interstitium
The balance between these forces determines the net pressure which dictates the direction of fluid movement 1.