Extrinsic apoptosis is a programmed cell death pathway that is initiated by external signals, typically through the activation of death receptors on the cell surface. This mechanism plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and eliminating damaged or infected cells, linking extracellular signals to the internal apoptotic machinery. The process is vital for maintaining tissue homeostasis and is distinct from intrinsic apoptosis, which is triggered by internal cellular stress or damage.
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