In recent decades there has been an upsurge of interest in mechanisms of cell death in the central nervous system. Much attention has been focused on two cell death processes - excitotoxicity and apoptosis - and much confusion has arisen regarding how one relates to the other, and how either relates to neurological disorders. Recent findings shed new light on this issue, especially with respect to in vivo apoptosis, and views that are contrary to prevailing interpretations are expressed, especially in the burgeoning apoptosis field of inquiry.