A
cytostome (cyto- meaning cell and stome- meaning mouth) or cell mouth is a part of a cell specialized for
phagocytosis, usually in the form of a
microtubule-supported funnel or groove. Food is directed into the cytostome, and sealed into
vacuoles. Only certain groups of
protozoa, such as the
ciliates and
excavates, have cytostomes. Such examples include
Balantidium coli - a
ciliate. In others, and in cells from multicellular organisms,
phagocytosis takes place at any point on the cell or feeding takes place by absorption.
