Which of the following cells are capable of diapedesis? A platelets. B neutrophils. C megakaryocytes. D erythrocytes
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Neutrophils.
Diapedesis is the process by which blood cells, particularly white blood cells, move out of the bloodstream and into tissues, often in response to infection or injury. This ability is essential for the immune system to protect the body by allowing immune cells to reach sites of infection or inflammation.
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell and are one of the first responders to infections or injuries. They play a crucial role in the body’s defense mechanism by targeting and destroying pathogens such as bacteria. Neutrophils have the ability to squeeze through the walls of blood vessels, which is essential for their role in immune surveillance and the elimination of pathogens in tissues. This movement through the blood vessel walls is diapedesis.
On the other hand, platelets are involved in blood clotting, and megakaryocytes are the precursor cells to platelets. Neither of these cells participates in diapedesis. Platelets are small, cell fragment-like structures that do not leave the bloodstream to enter tissues in response to infection or injury. Megakaryocytes reside in the bone marrow and give rise to platelets but do not perform diapedesis themselves.
Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are responsible for oxygen transport and do not have the capability to undergo diapedesis. They are non-nucleated and lack the necessary structures for movement through the blood vessel walls, unlike white blood cells such as neutrophils.
In summary, diapedesis is a critical function of neutrophils and other immune cells like lymphocytes and monocytes, allowing them to navigate through the endothelial walls of blood vessels to reach sites where they are needed most.