Phagocytosis is a process describing the engulfment and destruction of extracellularly-derived materials by phagocytic cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. Five steps of phagocytosis are illustrated in the image below.

Phagocytosis of bacteria	Schematic diagram of the steps in phagocytosis:
	Attachment of the bacterium to the long membrane evaginations, called pseudopodia. Ingestion of the bacterium forming a "phagosome," which moves toward the lysosome. Fusion of the lysosome and phagosome, releasing lysosomal enzymes into the phagosome. Digestion of the ingested material. Release of digestion products from the cell.