* * *
The cellular process of actively engulfing liquid, a phenomenon in which minute incuppings or invaginations are formed in the surface of the cell membrane and close to form fluid-filled vesicles; it resembles phagocytosis. [pinocyte + G. -osis, condition]
* * *
pi·no·cy·to·sis .pin-ə-sə-'tō-səs, .pīn-, -.sī- n, pl -to·ses -.sēz the uptake of fluid and dissolved substances by a cell by invagination and pinching off of the cell membrane
* * *
n.
the intake of small droplets of fluid by a cell by cytoplasmic engulfment. It occurs in many white blood cells and in certain kidney and liver cells. Compare phagocytosis.
* * *
pino·cy·to·sis (pin″o-) (pi″no-si-toґsis) [Gr. pinein to drink + cyto- + -osis] the cellular uptake of extracellular fluid and its contents by enclosing them in vesicles derived from the plasma membrane; it serves as a method of transport for macromolecules. Cf. macropinocytosis. pinocytotic adj
Mechanism of pinocytosis of extracellular proteins.
Medical dictionary. 2011.