Cellular death refers to the process by which a cell ceases to function and ultimately disintegrates. This can occur through various mechanisms, including apoptosis, which is a programmed form of cell death that helps maintain healthy tissue by removing damaged or unnecessary cells. Another type is necrosis, which results from injury or disease, leading to uncontrolled cell death and inflammation. Understanding cellular death is crucial in fields like medicine and biology, as it plays a significant role in development, aging, and disease progression. For instance, excessive cellular death can contribute to conditions like neurodegenerative diseases, while insufficient cell death may lead to cancer.