Animal virus entry — The uptake of whole virions by host cells through a phagocytic/endocytic process is termed:

Introduction / Context:
Animal viruses exploit host cell endocytic pathways for entry. A classical term used in virology for engulfment of intact virions into the cell is “viropexis,” conceptually similar to receptor-mediated endocytosis or phagocytosis depending on virus and cell type.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question emphasizes engulfment of whole virions.
• We are focusing on terminology rather than a specific molecular mechanism.
• Alternative answer choices are distractors not used in standard virology nomenclature.

Concept / Approach:
“Viropexis” historically denotes the entry by which virions are taken up en bloc, after attachment to specific receptors. Acidification and uncoating typically follow, releasing the genome into the cytosol or via endosomal escape.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard virology texts use “viropexis” in describing uptake of non-enveloped viruses (e.g., adenoviruses) as well as certain enveloped viruses via clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Vitropexis/vivopexis: nonstandard or incorrect terms in this context.
• Ectodesmata: not a recognized animal virus entry term.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing membrane fusion (direct entry used by many enveloped viruses) with viropexis (endocytic uptake). The stem specifies engulfment of whole virions.

Final Answer:
viropexis