How is the death of cells referred to in a mortuary context?

In a mortuary context, the term that refers specifically to the death of cells is necrosis. Necrosis occurs as a result of various factors that lead to irreversible cell damage and death, such as lack of blood flow, infection, or chemical injury. This process is characterized by the disintegration of cell structures and can lead to inflammation, ultimately affecting surrounding tissues.

Decomposition, while related to the breakdown of the body after death, encompasses a broader range of changes that occur post-mortem, including the action of bacteria and enzymes. Putrefaction is a specific type of decomposition driven primarily by bacterial activity, which produces various gases and odors. Agonal changes refer to the physiological alterations that happen in the body just prior to death, rather than cell death itself.

Understanding necrosis is crucial in mortuary science as it highlights the pathological processes that may contribute to the circumstances surrounding a person’s death and can provide insight into the underlying conditions that lead to the finality of life.