Necrosis: Cell death

Welcome to this lecture on Necrosis: Cell Death, providing an overview of the fundamental differences between necrosis and apoptosis, highlighting necrosis as an uncontrolled, pathological form of cell death often caused by severe injury, infection, or toxins. We’ll explore the typical microscopic features of necrotic cells, the inflammatory response it provokes, and the clinical implications for affected tissues and organs. Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of timely intervention, as well as the significance of understanding necrosis for disease management and recovery.. Necrosis is a form of cell death marked by its uncontrolled, chaotic nature. Unlike tightly regulated apoptosis, necrosis is accidental and usually results from overwhelming external injury. Loss of homeostatic control leads to rapid breakdown: cellular structures disintegrate, organelles swell, and plasma membrane integrity fails. Rather than orderly demolition, necrosis ends with cell rupture and release of contents into surrounding tissue. This process demonstrates how tissue damage and disease can result from uncontrolled cellular destruction. Necrosis has diverse causes but a common theme: overwhelming insults that inflict irreparable cell harm. Trauma, like physical injury or extreme temperatures, disrupts cellular structure. Infections—bacterial, viral, or fungal—produce toxins, cause direct lysis, or trigger inflammation that destroys cells.