Which term describes the accumulation of fluid penetrating through vessel walls?

The term that describes the accumulation of fluid penetrating through vessel walls is "exudate." This term is typically used in a clinical context to refer to a fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues, often during the inflammatory response. Exudate contains proteins, cells, and other substances that are indicative of inflammation and tissue damage.

When tissue is injured, the integrity of the vessel walls can be compromised, allowing fluid containing various components—such as immune cells and inflammatory mediators—to seep out. This accumulation leads to classic signs of inflammation, including swelling and redness.

Understanding exudate is important in clinical settings, as it can provide insights into the underlying conditions of an injury or infection. For example, the nature of the exudate (e.g., serous, purulent, or hemorrhagic) can help differentiate between different types of pathologies and guide treatment options.

In contrast, the other terms involve different physiological processes. Diapedesis refers specifically to the movement of leukocytes through the intact walls of the capillaries and out into the tissues, not fluid per se. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the environment. Fibroplasia involves the formation of fibrous tissue