Apoptosis and cell death

Each minute, in a body a considerable number of cells undergo cell death. When a new cell replaces a dead cell, homeostasis is maintained. The balance between proliferation and death of a cellular population is altered when death events occur to an extent lower than normal, thus leading to cell accumulation disorders; on the contrary, increased cell death could be responsible for cell loss and related diseases. The elimination of cells that naturally contribute to tissue and organ homeostasis is defined as Programmed Cell Death, which generally occurs through the process of apoptosis.