Which term describes tissue that appears damaged due to enzymatic breakdown after death?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes tissue that appears damaged due to enzymatic breakdown after death?

Explanation:
Postmortem tissue damage caused by the body's own enzymes is called autolysis. When death occurs, lysosomal enzymes within cells begin digesting cellular components, leading to tissue that appears broken down or damaged—this is described as autolyzed tissue. This process is a postmortem change and differs from necrosis, which is cell death due to disease or injury while the tissue was still living. Fibrotic describes scar tissue from healing, not immediate enzymatic breakdown after death, and “necrosed” isn’t a standard histology term. In practice, autolysis can blur cellular details, but fixation can slow its progression and help preserve morphology.

Postmortem tissue damage caused by the body's own enzymes is called autolysis. When death occurs, lysosomal enzymes within cells begin digesting cellular components, leading to tissue that appears broken down or damaged—this is described as autolyzed tissue. This process is a postmortem change and differs from necrosis, which is cell death due to disease or injury while the tissue was still living. Fibrotic describes scar tissue from healing, not immediate enzymatic breakdown after death, and “necrosed” isn’t a standard histology term. In practice, autolysis can blur cellular details, but fixation can slow its progression and help preserve morphology.

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