What is diapedesis?

Diapedesis refers to the process whereby white blood cells, particularly leukocytes, move out of the bloodstream and through the vascular walls into surrounding tissues. This is a crucial response during inflammation, allowing immune cells to reach sites of infection or injury where they can carry out their protective functions.

When an infection occurs, signaling molecules, known as chemokines, are released, facilitating the adhesion of white blood cells to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessel walls. Subsequently, these cells infiltrate the surrounding tissues, where they can engage pathogens or carry out repair processes.

This understanding of diapedesis emphasizes its role in immune response, highlighting the dynamic nature of the circulatory and immune systems working together during instances of injury or infection.