WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
  • Bookmark This Page
  • Site Map
  • Sign up for WebMD Newsletters

Medical Dictionary

necrosis

Pronunciation (nĕ-krō′sis)
Font Size
A
A
A
  1. Pathologic death of one or more cells, or of a portion of tissue or organ, resulting from irreversible damage; earliest irreversible changes are mitochondrial, consisting of swelling and granular calcium deposits seen by electron microscopy; most frequent visible alterations are nuclear: pyknosis, shrunken and abnormally dark basophilic staining; karyolysis, swollen and abnormally pale basophilic staining; or karyorrhexis, rupture, and fragmentation of the nucleus. After such changes, the outlines of individual cells are indistinct, and affected cells may merge, sometimes forming a focus of coarsely granular, amorphous, or hyaline material.

[G. nekrōsis, death, fr. nekroō, to make dead]

WebMD Medical Reference from "Stedman's Medical Dictionary"

The publisher is not responsible (as a matter of product liability, negligence or otherwise) for any injury resulting from any material contained herein. This publication contains information relating to general principles of medical care which should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. Manufacturers’ product information and package inserts should be reviewed for current information, including contraindications, dosages and precautions.
webMD Video

click to expand/contract  Deadly Bacteria: Are You at Risk?

48x48_deadly_bacteria.jpg

Even after a meningitis vaccination, experts stress knowing the disease’s early warning signs is critical.

Watch Video

click to expand/contract  Poolates: A Wet Way to Get Fit

click to expand/contract  Sudden Neck Pain

click to expand/contract  Botox for Scars

click to expand/contract  Passion Hormones?

Most Popular Stories