What does postmortem autolysis refer to?

• A. Self-digestion of cells by hydrolytic enzymes
• B. Decomposition of muscle tissue by bacteria
• C. Infection of cells following death
• D. External decomposition processes

Answer: (A)

Postmortem autolysis refers specifically to the self-digestion of cells by hydrolytic enzymes. After death, the body's normal physiological processes cease, leading to a breakdown of cellular structures. This process is primarily driven by enzymes that were present in the cells and tissues, which become activated after the cellular membranes break down, allowing these enzymes to access and degrade cellular components. The result is a gradual dissolution of tissues, potentially leading to liquefactive necrosis in some areas.

While other options touch upon aspects of postmortem changes, they either pertain to different processes or occur later in the decomposition timeline. For instance, bacterial decomposition focuses on the role of microorganisms in breaking down tissues, which occurs after the initial autolytic processes have started. Infection implies the introduction of pathogens, which is not applicable once the body has died. Lastly, external decomposition processes refer to the environmental influences that lead to decay, but do not describe the autolytic process that is intrinsic to the body's own enzymes reacting to the loss of homeostasis following death. Thus, the choice accurately captures the essence of postmortem autolysis.