Cell death is a common phenomenon in the development of both vertebrates and invertebrates. This review focuses on the mechanisms of cell destruction during development, emphasizing the morphological diversity of dying cells. Three main types of cell death are identified: apoptotic, autophagic, and non-lysosomal vesiculate. These types reflect different intracellular processes, with the destruction of the cytoplasm occurring primarily through heterophagy, autophagy, and non-lysosomal degradation, respectively. The mechanisms of nuclear and cytoplasmic destruction are discussed in detail. Understanding these mechanisms is important for studying other aspects of cell death, such as the signals that trigger it, since different signals may lead to different types of cell death. Cell death in developing tissues was first classified into three types by Schweichel and Merker (1973), based on the role of lysosomes. The first type, heterophagocytosis, involves the destruction of cell fragments in secondary lysosomes of other cells. The second type, autophagocytosis, involves destruction within the cell's own lysosomes. The third type involves destruction without lysosomal involvement. These types have been observed in various tissues, including the developing heart, and have been described by many subsequent authors. The first type of cell death, characterized by nuclear condensation and cytoplasmic changes, is often referred to as apoptosis. This process is similar to the process of cell death in adult tissues and is associated with the shedding of petals or leaves. The second type, autophagic degeneration, is characterized by the formation of numerous autophagic vacuoles. The third type is less well understood and may involve early pyknosis. Understanding these different types of cell death is important for studying the mechanisms of cell death during development.Cell death is a common phenomenon in the development of both vertebrates and invertebrates. This review focuses on the mechanisms of cell destruction during development, emphasizing the morphological diversity of dying cells. Three main types of cell death are identified: apoptotic, autophagic, and non-lysosomal vesiculate. These types reflect different intracellular processes, with the destruction of the cytoplasm occurring primarily through heterophagy, autophagy, and non-lysosomal degradation, respectively. The mechanisms of nuclear and cytoplasmic destruction are discussed in detail. Understanding these mechanisms is important for studying other aspects of cell death, such as the signals that trigger it, since different signals may lead to different types of cell death. Cell death in developing tissues was first classified into three types by Schweichel and Merker (1973), based on the role of lysosomes. The first type, heterophagocytosis, involves the destruction of cell fragments in secondary lysosomes of other cells. The second type, autophagocytosis, involves destruction within the cell's own lysosomes. The third type involves destruction without lysosomal involvement. These types have been observed in various tissues, including the developing heart, and have been described by many subsequent authors. The first type of cell death, characterized by nuclear condensation and cytoplasmic changes, is often referred to as apoptosis. This process is similar to the process of cell death in adult tissues and is associated with the shedding of petals or leaves. The second type, autophagic degeneration, is characterized by the formation of numerous autophagic vacuoles. The third type is less well understood and may involve early pyknosis. Understanding these different types of cell death is important for studying the mechanisms of cell death during development.