Cell Injury: Morphological Types and Causes

Types of Cell Injury

• Intracellular Accumulation: Characterized by the accumulation of substances like water, fat, protein, cholesterol, glycogen, iron, calcium, or pigments within the cell.
• Severe or Prolonged Injury: Leads to irreversible cell damage, often resulting in necrosis, where the cell can no longer survive and function.

Mechanisms of Cell Injury

• Defect in Fluid and Ion Homeostasis: Causes cell swelling; this mechanism is crucial as it disrupts normal cellular function and can lead to further injury.

Factors Leading to Irreversible Injury

• Prolonged Severity of Damage: Factors that contribute to irreversible injury include extended exposure to harmful stimuli or stress, ultimately overwhelming the cell's reparative capabilities.

Causes of Reversible Injury

• Degeneration: Reversible cell injury can be caused by factors such as mild hypoxia, chemical exposure, or temporary nutrient deficiency, allowing the cell to recover once the adverse conditions are eliminated.