Phagocytosis (Ingestion)

Phagocytosis is the process of capturing and digesting particles such as bacteria by immune system cells called phagocytes. Phagocytosis plays an important role in immunity, helping the body fight infections.

During phagocytosis, phagocytes such as macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells release pseudopodia, extensions of the cell membrane that surround the particle. The pseudopodia then close to form a phagosome, an intracellular vesicle containing the trapped particle. The phagosome then fuses with a lysosome containing hydrolytic enzymes that digest the contents of the phagosome.

There are two main types of phagocytosis:

  1. Nonspecific phagocytosis is the capture of particles indiscriminately.

  2. Receptor-mediated phagocytosis is the binding of particles using specific receptors on the surface of the phagocyte.

Phagocytosis is important for defense against pathogens, removal of dead cells and cellular fragments. Impairments in phagocytosis can lead to immunodeficiencies and increased susceptibility to infections.



Phagocytosis is the process of phagocytes capturing various particles, such as bacteria.

Phagocytes are cells of the immune system that can engulf and digest particles such as bacteria, viruses, and dead or damaged cells. The main phagocytes are neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages.

The process of phagocytosis consists of several stages:

  1. Chemotaxis is the attraction of phagocytes to the site of particle localization. Occurs with the participation of special chemoattractants.

  2. Adhesion is the attachment of a phagocyte to the surface of a particle.

  3. Internalization is the surrounding of a particle by a phagocyte and the formation of a phagosome (a vesicle with a particle inside the cell).

  4. Fusion of a phagosome with a lysosome containing enzymes that digest the particle.

Thus, phagocytosis is an important mechanism of innate immunity, allowing the body to get rid of pathogens and dead cells. Disturbances in the functioning of phagocytes can lead to immunodeficiencies and various diseases.



Phagocytosis is the process by which cells of the immune system engulf and digest foreign particles such as bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. This process is an important mechanism for protecting the body from infections and other diseases.

Phagocytes are special cells of the immune system that are capable of capturing and digesting foreign objects. They can be either specialized cells such as macrophages or more general blood cells such as neutrophils.

The process of phagocytosis begins with the fact that the phagocyte recognizes a foreign object and begins to move towards it. The phagocyte then surrounds the object with its membrane and engulfs it. Inside the phagocyte, the object is digested with the help of enzymes and lysosomes.

As a result of phagocytosis, the body receives protection from infection and the ability to get rid of damaged cells. However, if phagocytes cannot cope with the infection, then it can become chronic and lead to the development of disease.