Phagocytosis (Gr. Phagein - Devour, Pithoe - Hollow Vessel, Cell)

Phagocytosis (Gr. Phagein - Devour, Pithoe - Hollow Vessel, Cell).

Phagocytosis is the process by which a cell (such as a white blood cell) engulfs microorganisms, other cells, or foreign particles.

During phagocytosis, the cell actively absorbs various particles and microorganisms. Phagocytic cells are mainly leukocytes. They surround the particle with pseudopodia, after which the pseudopodia merge and form a phagosome - an intracellular vacuole containing captured material.

Phagocytosis plays an important role in the body's immune defense because it allows white blood cells to capture and digest bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles. In addition, phagocytosis is involved in the removal of dead and damaged cells in the body. Thus, this process is necessary to maintain homeostasis and anti-infective defense.