Explanation

Specific nuclear changes may be visible when cells are irreversibly injured and dying, including:

• pyknosis
• karyorrhexis
• karyolysis

If large numbers of cells die, tissue necrosis may occur.

Cell necrosis is usually recognized microscopically by changes in the nucleus.

These changes include swelling of the nucleus, which is followed by:

• condensation of the nuclear chromatin (pyknosis)
• finally by the dissolution of the nucleus (karyolysis)