Pseudopodia

Pseudopodia are temporary, cytoplasmic extensions of some eukaryotic cells used for locomotion, engulfing and capturing prey, and protection. They are composed of a network of filaments and are controlled by the cell's cytoskeleton. Pseudopodia are a characteristic form of cell motility, believed to have evolved more than one billion years ago, and can be found in some protozoans, amoebas, and several other cell types. Pseudopodia are important for the survival of some organisms in rapidly changing environments. They are also used for cell-cell interactions, for example in the exchange of cellular components and in cell sorting. Pseudopodia can play an important role in tissue regeneration and may help in the spread of cancer and other diseases.