Here's a breakdown:

* Animal cells lack a rigid cell wall like plant cells, which helps maintain their shape and protects them from bursting.

* Hypotonic environment: When an animal cell is placed in a hypotonic environment (meaning the concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside), water moves into the cell by osmosis.

* Swelling: As water enters the cell, the internal pressure increases, causing the cell to swell.

* Cytolysis (bursting): If the water influx continues unchecked, the cell membrane can't withstand the pressure and ruptures, leading to the cell bursting.

Other related terms:

* Lysis: A general term for the breakdown or disintegration of cells.

* Osmotic lysis: Specifically referring to cell bursting due to water movement through osmosis.

Let me know if you have more questions!