Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What is necrosis tissue?

1. Living cells that are properly oxygenated

2. Cells that thrive under nutrient-rich conditions

3. Dead cells when tissue is deprived of blood supply

4. Cells that have undergone normal apoptosis

The correct answer is: Dead cells when tissue is deprived of blood supply

Necrosis refers to the process by which cells die as a result of injury or lack of blood supply, leading to a failure in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for cellular function. When tissues are deprived of blood supply—whether due to factors such as an obstruction, trauma, or infection—those cells cannot sustain their metabolic needs and ultimately undergo irreversible damage, resulting in cell death. This condition is particularly significant because it can lead to more severe outcomes for the affected area, and may also provoke inflammatory responses in surrounding tissues. In contrast, living cells that are properly oxygenated and thriving in nutrient-rich conditions can continue to function normally and are not involved in the necrosis process. Similarly, normal apoptosis refers to the programmed cell death which is a natural and regulated mechanism of cellular turnover, distinct from the chaotic and uncontrolled nature of necrosis. Thus, understanding necrosis as the death of cells due to lack of blood supply highlights the critical importance of proper circulation and the potential consequences of impaired vascular health.