What term is used to describe the death of cells, or dying tissue?

The term used to describe the death of cells or dying tissue is necrosis. This process occurs when cells are damaged by factors such as injury, infection, or toxins, leading to uncontrolled cell death. Necrosis typically results in tissue damage and can trigger an inflammatory response in the surrounding area.

In contrast, apoptosis refers to a programmed and controlled process of cell death that is a normal part of growth or response to cellular stress. Infarction is a specific type of necrosis that occurs when blood supply to a tissue is obstructed, leading to tissue death due to lack of oxygen. Fibrosis involves the formation of scar tissue as part of the healing process, rather than cell death. These definitions help clarify why necrosis is the most appropriate term for the uncontrolled death of cells and tissue.