Far from a mere end point, cell death is an essential and highly orchestrated process. Developmental cell death is recognized to play a major role in morphogenesis and tissue sculpting, whereas cell death in mature organisms is essential for tissue homeostasis, wound healing, and elimination of infectious pathogens. Conversely, defective regulation or execution of cell death is also widely recognized as the basis for a spectrum of diseases, including many major human health foes such as diabetes, degenerative disorders, and cancer. Three major types of cell death have been distinguished, all of which contribute to proper development and well-being: apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis.