Cell Injury

Cell damage (also known as cell injury) is a type of stress that a cell experiences as a result of
external as well as internal environmental changes.
This can be caused by physical, chemical, infectious, biological, nutritional, or immunological
changes, among other things.
 Cell damage can be either reversible or irreversible.
 Depending on the severity of the injury, the cellular response may be adaptive, and
homeostasis is restored where possible.
 When the severity of the injury exceeds the cell's ability to repair itself, cell death
occurs.
 Cell death is proportional to the length of exposure to the harmful stimulus as well as the
severity of the damage caused.
 Cell death can occur as a result of necrosis or apoptosis.

Causes of cell injury

1. Ischemia and hyperoxia (Hypoxia means 'oxygen deficiency' and ischemia means
reduced blood supply'.)
2. Toxins
3. Infectious agents
4. Immunologic reactions
5. Genetic abnormalities
6. Nutritional imbalances
7. Physical agents
8. Aging

Types of cell injuries

1. Reversible Cell Injury
When a damaging stimulus is removed, the function and morphology of the injured cells return
to normal.
2. Irreversible Cell Injury
Cells are injured so severely in irreversible cell injury that they die and, eventually, necrosis of
tissue occurs.

Difference between reversible and irreversible cell injury

 1. Duration of Injury in Reversible and Irreversible Cell Injury
Reversible cell injury can usually be stopped by removing or destroying the injurious stimulus,
whereas irreversible cell injury has progressed past the "no return" point.
2. Type of Injury Involved in Reversible and Irreversible Cell Injury
Reversible cell injury is typically caused by the early stages of a lack of oxygen, also known
as hypoxia, ischemia, or a lack of blood flow to cells, whereas irreversible cell injury is
caused by more insidious agents such as viruses, immunological responses, or genetic
disadvantages.
3. Cellular Response for Reversible and Irreversible Cell Injury
Reversible cell injury causes swelling and fat accumulation at the cell membrane.
Irreversible cell injury causes acidosis of the cellular environment, the destruction of key
organelles, and membrane damage.
4. Tissue Response to Reversible vs Irreversible Cell Injury
Reversible cell injury causes swelling and an increase in surface areas at the tissue level,
whereas irreversible cell injury causes necrosis and cell death.
5. Recovery
Reversible cell injury can be treated pharmacologically and result in recovery, whereas
irreversible cell injury results in permanent cell loss and death.
 The End
Written by Sumaya Wahid