Which term describes the self-digestion of cells after death?

The correct answer is autolysis. This term specifically refers to the process in which cells begin to break down their own components after death. This self-digestion occurs due to the release of enzymes from the lysosomes within the cells, which can start to break down proteins and other cellular structures. Autolysis is a natural process that begins shortly after death and is characterized by the body's tissues starting to dissolve due to their own enzymatic activity.

Understanding autolysis is essential in the context of post-mortem investigations, as it can influence the appearance of tissues and organs in a deceased individual, providing critical information regarding the time and circumstances surrounding death.

The other terms, while they relate to the breakdown of biological materials, do not specifically refer to the self-digestion process that occurs at the cellular level. Putrefaction refers to the decomposition of organic matter, primarily due to the action of bacteria and fungi, which occurs after autolysis. Decomposition encompasses a broader range of processes than just autolysis, including putrefaction and the actions of microorganisms, while cytolysis refers to the breaking down of cells caused by external factors, such as toxins or osmotic pressure, rather than the intrinsic, self-initi