Senescent cells are cells that have stopped dividing but remain metabolically active. These cells secrete a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and proteases, collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The accumulation of senescent cells in tissues can disrupt normal tissue function and contribute to chronic inflammation, tissue degradation, and age-related pathologies. Histological techniques can identify and quantify senescent cells in tissues, providing insights into the aging process.
