Pyknosis
Definition: Nuclear shrinkage with increased basophilia.
Look: Small, dark, dense nucleus.
Exam tip: First visible step in nuclear damage.
Karyorrhexis
Definition: Fragmentation of the pyknotic nucleus.
Look: Multiple dark nuclear fragments.
Exam tip: Seen in both necrosis and apoptosis.
Karyolysis
Definition: Fading and dissolution of the nucleus.
Look: Pale, ghost-like nucleus → disappears.
Exam tip: Late stage; typical of necrosis.
