What is the process called when a cell releases large amounts of material?

The process of exocytosis is essential for cells to release large amounts of materials, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and waste products. During exocytosis, vesicles containing these materials fuse with the cell membrane, resulting in the contents being expelled into the extracellular environment. This mechanism is crucial for communication between cells and for the removal of unnecessary components from the cell.

In contrast, endocytosis refers to the process where a cell takes in materials from the outside environment by engulfing them, which is the opposite of what is being asked in this question. Pinocytosis is a form of endocytosis specifically involving the uptake of liquids, and phagocytosis pertains to the engulfing of large particles or cells. Neither of these processes involves the release of material, making exocytosis the correct choice for describing the release of substances from a cell.