Abstract: Cell death in humans was recognized as an indispensable component of development and adult homeostasis， being crucial for ensuring normal morphogenesis and organ formation. The molecular mechanisms of accidental cell death （ACD） and regulated cell death （RCD）， along with their roles in physiological and pathological processes， were comprehensively summarized. ACD was referred to as a biologically uncontrolled form of cell death triggered by accidental injury， primarily manifested as necrosis. In contrast， RCD was defined as a process involving controlled signaling pathways， playing a key role in ontogeny or tissue renewal， which encompasses necroptosis， apoptosis， pyroptosis， ferroptosis， cuproptosis， and other forms. Through the examination of these modes of cell death， new insights and directions were provided for drug development and clinical treatment of related diseases.