What is the term for the death of tissue in a living organism?

The term for the death of tissue in a living organism is necrosis. This process typically occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the affected area or as a result of injury, infection, or disease, leading to cell damage and eventual cell death. Necrosis is often characterized by the breakdown of the cell's structures and the inflammatory response that follows, resulting in further damage to the surrounding tissue.

Apoptosis, while it also involves cell death, is a programmed and regulated process that occurs in a more controlled manner, often as part of normal development or maintenance of healthy tissues. Ischemia refers specifically to the restriction of blood supply to tissues, which can lead to necrosis if prolonged, but it is not synonymous with tissue death itself. Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or damaged cells, and while it may accompany necrosis, it is not a term that describes the death of tissue. Therefore, necrosis is the most accurate term for the death of tissue in a living organism.