In pathology, what does the term 'necrosis' specifically refer to?

The term 'necrosis' specifically refers to the process of cell death resulting from injury or disease. This can occur due to various factors such as lack of blood supply, infection, toxins, or physical trauma, leading to the disruption of cellular metabolism and eventual cell death. When cells undergo necrosis, they typically swell, rupture, and release their contents, which can trigger inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

Understanding this definition is crucial for those studying pathology, as it helps in distinguishing necrosis from other processes such as inflammation, fluid accumulation, or pus formation. Inflammation involves the body's response to injury and does not necessarily result in cell death, while fluid accumulation refers to edema and is not intrinsically related to necrosis. Similarly, the formation of pus is linked to an accumulation of dead cells and bacteria as well as the body's immune response, but it is a consequence rather than a definition of necrosis itself.