Which condition is characterized by excessive fluid in the body's interstitial spaces?

The condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the body's interstitial spaces is known as edema. Edema occurs when there is an imbalance between the forces that regulate the movement of fluid into and out of blood vessels and the surrounding tissues, leading to a build-up of fluid in the tissues.

This fluid can accumulate in various areas of the body, such as the legs, ankles, lungs, or other parts, and can result from factors such as heart conditions, kidney disease, inflammatory processes, or excess salt intake. Understanding edema is crucial in fields like mortuary science as it can have implications for postmortem examinations, particularly when assessing the cause of death or the appearance of the body.

The other conditions mentioned, while related to body fluid management, do not specifically refer to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces. Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, which can have various health implications but does not denote fluid accumulation. Dehydration indicates a deficit of water in the body, leading to a concentration of bodily fluids rather than an excess. Hypervolemia results from an increase in blood volume, which can influence blood pressure and fluid balance but does not precisely indicate that fluid is accumulating in interstitial spaces.