Final answer:
The tissue damage in pancreatitis is likely caused by the release of pancreatic enzymes in their active forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that is caused by various factors, such as gallstones, chronic alcohol use, infections, genetics, and certain medications. One of the primary mechanisms of tissue damage in pancreatitis is the release of pancreatic enzymes that digest the pancreas itself if activated in their active forms. The pancreas produces these enzymes in their inactive forms and they are activated in the duodenum to prevent self-destruction of the organ. So, option a is the correct answer.