| Basis of differentiation | Reversible cell injury | Irreversible cell injury |
Definition | Reversible cell injury is defined as cellular injury that can regain homeostasis and return to a morphologically and functional normal state | Is an injury to a cell that causes morphological changes that are permanent, and typically to the inner mechanisms of the cell |
Duration of injury | Reversible cell injury an typically be stopped by removing or destroying the stimulus causing damage | Irreversible cell injury progresses and cannot return to normal state |
Type of injury involved | Is typically the result of the beginning stages of lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and lack of blood flow to cells | It involves more agents such as viruses, genetic disadvantages, or immunological stimuli |
Cellular Response | Reversible cell injury results in cellular swelling, cellular blebbing, fat accumulation | Results in acidosis of the cellular environment, destruction of vital organelles and damage to membranes |
Tissue response | Reversible cell injury causes noticeable swelling and increase in surface area at tissues | Irreversible cell injury causes necrosis and cell death |
Recovery | Reversible cell injury is pharmacologically treatable and recovery is possible | Irreversible cell injury causes permanent cell loss and death |
Mitochondrial changes | Causes swelling and accumulation of phospholipid rich densities | Causes swelling and leakage of cytochrome C into the cell cytoplasm |
Nucleus/chromatin response | Causes the formation of fibular elements in the nucleus | Causes the dissolution of chromatin |