Cell injury
Cell
injury refers to a
state in which a cell's normal structure or function is compromised due to
harmful stimuli. If the stress is severe or prolonged and exceeds the cell's
ability to adapt, it leads to structural and functional damage.
Definition:
Cell
injury is the
damage to a cell caused by external or internal factors that impair its normal
function and may lead to cell death if not reversed and Cell injury
refers to a state in which a cell's normal structure or function is compromised
due to harmful stimuli. If the stress is severe or prolonged and exceeds the
cell's ability to adapt, it leads to structural and functional damage.
Types of Cell Injury:
- Reversible cell injury – The damage is mild or
short-lived, and the cell can recover once the stress is removed.
- Irreversible cell injury – The damage is severe or
prolonged, leading to permanent dysfunction or cell death (via
necrosis or apoptosis).
Common Causes:
- Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
- Physical agents (trauma, temperature
extremes, radiation)
- Chemical agents (toxins, drugs)
- Infectious agents (bacteria, viruses)
- Immunologic reactions (autoimmune diseases,
allergies)
- Genetic mutations
- Nutritional imbalances
