Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are structures made of chromatin bound to granular and cytoplasmic proteins, released by neutrophils to control microbial infections. This process, called NETosis, is a unique form of cell death. NETs are composed of nucleosomes and granular proteins, and their morphology can be distinguished from other fibrous structures. NETs are formed through a complex process involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), proteases, and histone processing. The release of NETs is triggered by various stimuli, including pathogens, antibodies, and microbial components. NETs play a crucial role in antimicrobial defense by trapping pathogens, inactivating virulence factors, and releasing antimicrobial peptides. However, excessive or inappropriate NET formation can lead to tissue damage and contribute to diseases such as autoimmunity, coagulation disorders, and infections. NETs also serve as danger signals, activating immune receptors like TLR-9 and contributing to inflammation. The importance of NETs in immunity is highlighted by their presence in pus and their role in microbial defense. Despite their beneficial functions, NETs can also cause collateral damage, as seen in conditions like cystic fibrosis and preeclampsia. Understanding the mechanisms of NET formation and their roles in health and disease is essential for developing therapeutic strategies.Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are structures made of chromatin bound to granular and cytoplasmic proteins, released by neutrophils to control microbial infections. This process, called NETosis, is a unique form of cell death. NETs are composed of nucleosomes and granular proteins, and their morphology can be distinguished from other fibrous structures. NETs are formed through a complex process involving reactive oxygen species (ROS), proteases, and histone processing. The release of NETs is triggered by various stimuli, including pathogens, antibodies, and microbial components. NETs play a crucial role in antimicrobial defense by trapping pathogens, inactivating virulence factors, and releasing antimicrobial peptides. However, excessive or inappropriate NET formation can lead to tissue damage and contribute to diseases such as autoimmunity, coagulation disorders, and infections. NETs also serve as danger signals, activating immune receptors like TLR-9 and contributing to inflammation. The importance of NETs in immunity is highlighted by their presence in pus and their role in microbial defense. Despite their beneficial functions, NETs can also cause collateral damage, as seen in conditions like cystic fibrosis and preeclampsia. Understanding the mechanisms of NET formation and their roles in health and disease is essential for developing therapeutic strategies.