Leukocytes can undergo diapedesis. What is diapedesis?

• A. The production of leukocytes in the bone marrow.
• B. The process of leukocytes engulfing and digesting pathogens.
• C. The release of leukocytes from the spleen into the bloodstream.
• D. The process by which leukocytes move through the walls of blood vessels into surrounding tissues.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'diapedesis': It refers to the movement of leukocytes (white blood cells) from the bloodstream through the walls of blood vessels into the surrounding tissues.
2. Recognize that diapedesis is a crucial part of the immune response, allowing leukocytes to reach sites of infection or injury.
3. Differentiate diapedesis from other processes involving leukocytes, such as their production in the bone marrow (hematopoiesis) or their ability to engulf pathogens (phagocytosis).
4. Note that diapedesis involves the leukocytes squeezing through the endothelial cells of the blood vessel walls, a process facilitated by signaling molecules and changes in the cytoskeleton of the leukocytes.
5. Remember that diapedesis is not related to the release of leukocytes from the spleen, but rather their movement from the bloodstream into tissues where they can perform immune functions.