The function of plasma proteins in capillary exchange is to maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood.
Explanation:
1. Plasma proteins, such as albumin, play a crucial role in regulating osmotic pressure within capillaries.
2. They help to prevent the loss of fluid from the bloodstream into the surrounding tissues by creating an osmotic pressure gradient.
3. This osmotic pressure draws water back into the capillaries, balancing the hydrostatic pressure that tends to push fluid out of the blood vessels.
4. By maintaining osmotic pressure, plasma proteins help to ensure proper fluid balance and prevent excessive fluid leakage from the capillaries.
In summary, plasma proteins function to maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood during capillary exchange, helping to regulate fluid movement between the bloodstream and the surrounding tissues.
