Human Pathology Cellular Adaptations and Injury

Reversible vs. Irreversible Injury​

Topic overview

Start with the big picture

Reversible injury commonly begins with impaired ATP production and failure of energy-dependent ion pumps. Sodium and calcium accumulate, water enters the cell, and swelling develops. Membrane blebs, loss of microvilli, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, and chromatin clumping may also occur; these changes can resolve if the stress is removed. Irreversible injury involves severe damage to plasma, mitochondrial, and lysosomal membranes, preventing ATP recovery and promoting enzymatic breakdown. Nuclear changes progress through pyknosis, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis. The lesson contrasts these features, explains how enzyme leakage can support clinical diagnosis, and introduces necrosis and apoptosis as possible outcomes. It also considers why reperfusion after irreversible ischemia may worsen injury.

Learning objectives

What you'll learn

  • Recognize common morphologic features of reversible cell injury.
  • Explain how ATP depletion disrupts ion balance and contributes to cell swelling.
  • Distinguish reversible injury from irreversible membrane and mitochondrial damage.
  • Identify nuclear changes associated with irreversible injury.
  • Relate cellular enzyme leakage and injury outcomes to clinical interpretation.
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