Diapedesis
Diapedesis (pronounced: /ˌdaɪəpɪˈdiːsɪs/) is a process in the immune response where white blood cells, or leukocytes, move through the endothelial cells of the blood vessels to reach the site of an infection or injury.
Etymology
The term "diapedesis" comes from the Greek words "dia", meaning "through", and "pedesis", meaning "leaping".
Process
During an immune response, leukocytes in the bloodstream recognize chemical signals from the site of an infection or injury. These signals cause the leukocytes to adhere to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, a process known as margination. The leukocytes then squeeze through the gaps between the endothelial cells, a process known as diapedesis. Once they have moved out of the bloodstream, the leukocytes can migrate to the site of the infection or injury, where they can carry out their immune functions.
Related Terms
- Leukocyte: A type of blood cell that is involved in the immune response. Leukocytes include neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.
- Endothelial cell: A type of cell that lines the inside of blood vessels.
- Margination: The process by which leukocytes adhere to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels during an immune response.
- Chemotaxis: The movement of cells in response to chemical signals. After diapedesis, leukocytes use chemotaxis to migrate to the site of an infection or injury.
See Also
- Inflammation: A process in the immune response that involves increased blood flow and the movement of leukocytes to the site of an infection or injury.
- Immune response: The body's response to infection or injury, which involves the activation of various immune cells and processes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diapedesis
- Wikipedia's article - Diapedesis
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