Know your medical terms: Necrosis

Do you know what 'necrosis' means? Here's a simple explanation

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Updated: August 27, 2014 1:12 pm

Necrosis is derived from the Greek word ‘nekus,’ which means ‘a dead body.’ In medical world, necrosis indicates the death phase of cells or tissues. Most of your body cells are programmed for death (apoptosis) naturally after completion of a period of functional phase. However, external factors like tissue infection, tissue damage due to toxin overload, or physical injury trauma to the tissue can cause sudden or unprogrammed death of cells. This sudden death of cells is called necrosis and is commonly associated with conditions like gangrene and avascular necrosis. Also Read - Sushi: Man undergoes amputation after he catches a rare 'flesh-eating' infection

Programmed cell death is always beneficial for the body and is required for regulation of cells. But necrosis is harmful and can be even be fatal. The process of death in necrosis and apoptosis is different and involves different chemical signals. Necrosis leads to pus formation, accumulation of debris and dead cells at the site of death. Hence, removal of the necrotic tissue becomes crucial to prevent further infection and lack of oxygen supply to the live cells. Also Read - What is Avascular Necrosis (AVN)?

You may also like to read: Also Read - Uterine fibroids, polyps and cysts -- what is the difference?

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Published : April 15, 2014 5:16 pm | Updated:August 27, 2014 1:12 pm

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