Biological process

apoptotic cell removal, efferocytosis, programmed cell clearance

The recognition and removal of an apoptotic cell by a neighboring cell or by a phagocyte.

Note that unlike mammals or Drosophila, C. elegans (and many lower organisms) do not have professional macrophages/phagocytes, instead cell corpses are engulfed by neighboring cells. Cell types that can function as engulfing cells include hypodermal cells, gonadal sheath cells, pharyngeal muscle cells, and intestinal cells.