Programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis, is a highly regulated process by which cells undergo an orderly and planned sequence of events leading to their self-destruction. This process is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is critical during the development and growth of children. Unlike necrosis, which is a form of traumatic cell death resulting from acute cellular injury, apoptosis is a controlled and energy-dependent process that allows the body to eliminate old, unnecessary, or damaged cells.
