The engulfing and degradation of microorganisms; other cells that are dead, dying, or pathogenic; and foreign particles by phagocytic cells (PHAGOCYTES).
engulfing of microorganisms, other cells, and foreign particles by phagocytic cells (phagocytes).
An endocytosis process that results in the engulfment of external particulate material by phagocytes. The particles are initially contained within phagocytic vacuoles (phagosomes), which then fuse with primary lysosomes to effect digestion of the particles. [ISBN:0198506732 "Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology"]
The process by which a phagocyte (a type of white blood cell) surrounds and destroys foreign substances (such as bacteria) and removes dead cells.
The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris; an important defense against infection.