What is pyknotic nuclei?

Pyknotic nuclei refer to nuclei that have undergone a process of condensation and shrinkage, typically seen in cells undergoing apoptosis or necrosis. This morphological change is characterized by a dense, dark staining appearance under a microscope, indicating chromatin clumping and loss of nuclear structure. Pyknotic nuclei are often associated with cell death and can serve as a histological marker for identifying dying or damaged cells in tissue samples.