RCPath/BNS PathExplore; (Neuro)pathology teaching for undergraduates - Webinar 2

Overview

Apoptosis and necrosis are two fundamental modes of cell death, each defined by distinct mechanisms and biological consequences. Apoptosis, often described as programmed cell death, is an energy-dependent and tightly regulated process characterized by cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and the orderly clearance of dying cells without provoking inflammation. In contrast, necrosis has traditionally been considered an uncontrolled response to insults such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia, and is marked by cell swelling, organelle breakdown, membrane disruption, and the release of intracellular contents that trigger inflammation. Furthermore, recent advances in understanding regulated necrotic pathways such as necroptosis and ferroptosis have opened new possibilities for therapeutic intervention in neurological disorders. This lecture will examine the molecular mechanisms underlying both apoptosis and necrosis, outline their physiological and pathological roles, and discuss their relevance to clinical practice with particular emphasis on neuropathological diagnostic pathways.