What does the term necrosis refer to?

The term "necrosis" specifically refers to tissue death. This process occurs when cells in a particular area of the body become damaged and die due to various factors, such as lack of blood flow, infection, toxins, or injury. When tissue undergoes necrosis, it can lead to a cascade of inflammatory responses in the surrounding tissue as the body attempts to heal or manage the dead cells. Understanding necrosis is vital, especially in fields like massage therapy, where knowledge of soft tissue conditions can affect treatment plans. This term is important as it distinguishes the pathological state of tissue from other processes like inflammation or healing, which involve different mechanisms and responses within the body.