Final answer:
Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, can be caused by decreased albumin levels or increased capillary permeability. Conditions affecting ADH can also contribute to fluid accumulation. However, decreased capillary filtration does not typically lead to ascites.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ascites can be caused by several alterations in the body's physiology. One of the main causes is a decrease in albumin concentration, which can occur due to liver disorders such as cirrhosis. Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps maintain osmotic pressure in the blood vessels, preventing fluid from leaking out. When the concentration of albumin decreases, this balance is disrupted, leading to ascites.
Another potential cause of ascites is increased capillary permeability, which allows for the leakage of fluids into the abdominal cavity. Conditions that suppress antidiuretic hormone (ADH) can also lead to ascites by causing an imbalance in water retention and excretion. However, decreased capillary filtration is typically not directly associated with the development of ascites.
In summary, decreased levels of albumin due to liver disease and increased capillary permeability are among the primary causes of ascites. Other factors such as alterations in ADH levels can also contribute to fluid accumulation, while decreased capillary filtration does not typically lead to ascites.