Cells in our body die every day due to various reasons. Two main types of cell death are necrosis (oncosis) and apoptosis.
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Necrosis is often caused by external factors like trauma, injury, toxins, or lack of blood flow (infarction). It's a harmful process that results in cell swelling and bursting, releasing their contents into surrounding tissues. This can trigger inflammation and damage nearby cells.
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Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a controlled process where cells self-destruct in a controlled way. It's essential for normal development, removing damaged or unwanted cells, and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
Here are some common causes of cell death:
- Lack of Oxygen: Cells require oxygen to function properly. A lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, can lead to cell death. This can happen due to conditions like heart attack or stroke.
- Toxins and Infections: Certain toxins, like those produced by bacteria, viruses, or even certain chemicals, can directly damage cells and lead to their death.
- Aging: As we age, our cells naturally become less efficient and may become more vulnerable to damage, leading to increased cell death.
- Genetic Mutations: Errors in our genes can cause cells to malfunction or become cancerous, ultimately leading to their death or uncontrolled growth.
- Immune System Response: Sometimes, our immune system can mistakenly attack healthy cells, leading to their death. This can happen in autoimmune diseases.
The body has mechanisms in place to clear dead cells, preventing inflammation and damage. These mechanisms include specialized immune cells called macrophages that engulf and digest dead cells.
