Final answer:
Self-digestion in decomposing bodies is a process akin to digestion that occurs post-mortem, in which the body's own enzymes begin to break down its tissues. This leads to the breakdown of soft tissues and may result in joint disarticulation, discernible in bodies buried after some decomposition has occurred.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-Digestion in Decomposing Bodies
Self-digestion refers to the process a body undergoes after death, similar to the digestion of food but happening within one's own body post-mortem. In decomposing bodies, self-digestion occurs when enzymes that were used in the digestive system start to digest the body itself. This process leads to a breakdown of soft tissues and is part of the larger decomposition process where scavengers and decomposers further consume the remains. Self-digestion in human bodies can lead to significant joint disarticulation, indicating that bodies buried with little to no discernible anatomical articulations experienced decomposition prior to burial. In contrast, bodies that exhibit minimal dislocation, known as primary deposits, denote that decomposition occurred in situ without major disturbance or movement of the body.
In the living human body, digestion is a catabolic process where ingested food is broken down into smaller molecules for absorption through mechanical and chemical means. Mechanical digestion comprises chewing and churning, while chemical digestion involves breakdown of biopolymers like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids into their respective monomers by specific enzymes. These smaller units are then transported via the bloodstream to different cells for various physiological functions. However, in the case of self-digestion after death, the enzymes formerly utilized for digestion begin acting on the body's own tissues.