A type of endocytosis where cells engulf large particles or other cells by extending their cell membrane around the target and bringing it inside. This process is crucial for immune function and cellular cleanup.
From Greek 'phagein' meaning to eat and 'kytos' meaning cell, literally translating to 'cell eating.' The term was introduced by Russian biologist Élie Metchnikoff in the 1880s when he discovered how white blood cells consume harmful particles.
Phagocytosis is essentially cellular cannibalism - your white blood cells literally eat bacteria and dead cells to keep you healthy! Some single-celled organisms like amoebas use this same process to hunt and consume their prey.
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