
The apoptosis pathway
Apoptosis is the body's way of safely eliminating damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells. It involves a series of signals that activate internal processes, leading the cell to break down its own components. The cell then shrinks, its internal parts are packaged into small pieces, and it is quietly removed by immune cells without causing inflammation. This process is essential for development, maintaining tissue health, and preventing diseases like cancer. In short, apoptosis is like a controlled cell "self-destruct" that helps keep our bodies healthy and balanced.