Which process describes the intake of liquid materials by a cell?

Pinocytosis refers to the process by which cells take in liquid materials from their environment. This is a type of endocytosis specifically designed for the ingestion of small amounts of liquid and dissolved substances. During pinocytosis, the cell membrane engulfs the liquid, forming small vesicles that transport the liquid into the cell. This process is essential for nutrient absorption and the regulation of the cell's internal environment.

Other processes mentioned, such as phagocytosis, involve the intake of larger particles, typically solid matter, while exocytosis is the process of expelling materials from the cell. Endocytosis is a broader category that includes both phagocytosis and pinocytosis, but since the question specifically asks for the intake of liquid materials, pinocytosis is the precise term used to describe that action.