Starling Forces: Hydrostatic vs Oncotic Pressures and Edema

This video tutorial breaks down Starling forces—the balance between hydrostatic and oncotic pressures that governs capillary fluid movement. You’ll learn how to interpret the Starling equation, predict filtration and reabsorption, and understand how imbalances lead to edema. It also highlights the vital role of the lymphatic system in returning excess interstitial fluid to circulation. By the end, you’ll be able to explain why water moves, where it goes, and how albumin keeps it in check. Subscribe for more anatomy videos: @TheNotedAnatomist Website: TheNotedAnatomist.com Time Stamps: 0:00. Introduction to Starling Forces 1:07. What is Hydrostatic Pressure 2:29. Right sided Heart Failure, Hydrostatic Pressure 2:58. Edema 3:14. What is Oncotic Pressure? 4:00. Albumin 5:00. Low albumin and Net filtration (hypoalbuminemia) 5:38. What is Net Filtration Pressure? 6:29. Starling Equation 6:58. Kf. Capillary filtration coefficient 7:39. Starling Forces in the equation 10:34. Lymphatic system absorbs excess interstitial fluid 11:31. In-a-Nutshell 11:38. Acknowledgments