Here's a breakdown:

* Phagocytes: These are specialized cells in the immune system that engulf and destroy harmful substances, including pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).

* Phagocytosis: This is the process itself. It involves a series of steps:

1. Chemotaxis: Phagocytes are attracted to the site of infection by chemical signals released by pathogens or damaged tissues.

2. Adherence: The phagocyte attaches to the pathogen.

3. Ingestion: The phagocyte engulfs the pathogen, forming a vesicle called a phagosome.

4. Digestion: The phagosome fuses with a lysosome, an organelle containing enzymes that break down the pathogen.

5. Exocytosis: The digested remnants of the pathogen are expelled from the phagocyte.

Phagocytosis is a crucial part of the innate immune response, which is the body's first line of defense against infection.