Compartment (pharmacokinetics)

In pharmacokinetics, a compartment is a defined volume of body fluids. It is distinguished from anatomic compartments, which are bounded by fasciae.

Additional recommended knowledge

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

How to quickly check pipettes?

How to ensure accurate weighing results every day?

Examples

There are five major body compartments^[1]:

blood plasma
interstitial fluid
fat tissue
intracellular fluid
transcellular fluid

The transcellular compartment includes fluids in the pleural cavity or peritoneal cavity.

Comparison table

Compartment	estimated % of body mass^[2]
blood plasma	5
interstitial fluid	16
fat tissue	20
intracellular fluid	35
transcellular fluid	2

References

^ Rang, H. P. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-07145-4. Page 102
^ Unless else specified in table, then ref s: Rang, H. P. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 0-443-07145-4. Page 102