Pseudopodia

Pseudopods or pseudopodia (singular: pseudopodium) (from the Greek word ψευδοπόδια, ψευδός "false" + πόδια "feet") are temporary projections of eukaryotic cell membranes or unicellular protists. Cells that possess this faculty are generally referred to as amoeboids. Pseudopodia extend and contract by the reversible assembly of actin subunits into many microfilaments. Filaments near the cell's end interact with myosin which causes contraction. The pseudopodium extends itself until the actin reassembles itself into a network.

It is supposed that actin polymerization is at the origin of the force propelling the cell forward. Pseudopodia ("false foot") are temporary cytoplasm-filled projections of the cell membrane that certain eukaryotic cells use for motion or for ingesting nutrients. Most cells with this capability are referred to as amoeboids. Generally several pseudopodia arise from the surface of the body (polypodial, e.g. Amoeba proteus) or a single pseudopodium may form on the surface of the body (monopodial, e.g. Entamoeba histolytica).