Which form of cell death is characterized by cell swelling, membrane rupture, release of intracellular contents, and an inflammatory response — distinguishing it from programmed cell death?
- A Apoptosis
- B Autophagy
- C Necrosis ✓
- D Anoikis
Correct answer: C. Necrosis
Explanation
Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death involving cell swelling (oncosis), membrane integrity loss, and spillage of intracellular contents that trigger an inflammatory response. Apoptosis, by contrast, involves cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, apoptotic body formation, and phagocytic clearance without inflammation. Anoikis is apoptosis triggered by loss of matrix attachment, and autophagy is a regulated survival mechanism.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.