What is the term for the attraction of white blood cells to the site of inflammation?

The term that describes the attraction of white blood cells to the site of inflammation is chemotaxis. During the inflammatory response, various chemical signals are released from damaged tissues and pathogens. These signals create a gradient that attracts white blood cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to the area of injury or infection.

Chemotaxis is a crucial process in the immune response, as it allows immune cells to navigate towards the source of inflammation and initiate necessary actions to mitigate infection or promote healing. This recruitment of white blood cells ensures that the body can effectively respond to foreign invaders and initiate tissue repair.

Phagocytosis, while related, specifically refers to the process by which certain white blood cells engulf and digest pathogens or debris after reaching the site of inflammation, rather than the directed movement toward the site itself. Diapedesis refers to the movement of white blood cells out of the circulation and into tissues, which occurs after they arrive at the site of inflammation by chemotaxis. Exudation involves the escape of fluids, proteins, and cells from the bloodstream into the tissues during inflammation, contributing to the swelling and other signs of inflammation but not specifically describing the attraction of the cells. Thus, chemotaxis is the accurate term for the initial