What term describes the excess accumulation of fluid in body tissues?

The term that describes the excess accumulation of fluid in body tissues is edema. Edema occurs when there is an imbalance between the pressures that drive fluid into and out of the spaces between cells, resulting in swelling. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as heart failure, kidney issues, or localized injuries. Recognizing edema is important in medical contexts because it can indicate underlying health problems that may require further investigation or treatment.

Other terms, while relevant to health discussions, refer to different physiological conditions. For instance, infection denotes the presence of pathogens in the body, inflammation is a protective response of the body to injury or infection, and ischemia refers to insufficient blood flow to tissues, which can lead to cell damage. These terms highlight distinct medical scenarios rather than the specific condition associated with fluid accumulation. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurately identifying and addressing health issues.