Is necrosis a result of reversible or irreversible cell death?

Necrosis is classified as a form of irreversible cell death. This process occurs when cells suffer significant damage due to factors such as ischemia, toxins, infections, or injury, leading to cellular swelling, organelle dysfunction, membrane rupture, and ultimately cell death. Once necrosis occurs, the damage to the cell is extensive and cannot be reversed, resulting in the release of cellular contents into the surrounding tissue, which often triggers inflammatory responses.

In contrast, reversible cell injury might allow for restoration of cell function if conditions improve, often characterized by cellular swelling and fatty changes without structural damage that leads to cell death. Thus, necrosis is clearly defined as irreversible, distinguishing it from other forms of cell responses to stress.