Definition

The process by which blood cells, particularly white blood cells, move through the walls of capillaries into the surrounding tissues of the body.

Example

During an infection, white blood cells undergo diapedesis to reach the affected tissues.

Conversation

I was reading about how white blood cells can move through capillary walls.

Oh really? Is that the process called diapedesis?

Yes, exactly! It's fascinating how they can get to where they're needed.

Definitely! It's like the body has its own little emergency response team.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Diapedesis is formed from "dia-" (meaning through) and "pedesis" (from the Greek "pedein", meaning to leap or to step). The term describes the process of blood cells moving through the walls of blood vessels, effectively 'leaping' through them.

Memory Tip

Think of blood cells 'leaping' ('pedesis') 'through' ('dia-') the walls of blood vessels, which helps you remember that diapedesis refers to this movement.

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