What process is referred to as Autolysis?

Autolysis is defined as the self-destruction of cells through the action of their own enzymes. This process typically occurs when a cell is damaged, dies, or is no longer maintained. Once the cell membrane integrity is compromised, intracellular enzymes, particularly lysosomal enzymes, are released and begin to break down cellular components, effectively 'digesting' the cell from the inside out.

This is a natural process that plays a vital role in the body’s ability to remove dead or dying cells, particularly during tissue repair or during necrosis. The importance of autolysis lies in its ability to initiate the subsequent processes of inflammation and healing, as the breakdown of cellular components can provide signals for the recruitment of immune cells that aid in the cleanup and repair of the tissue.

Understanding autolysis is crucial in fields such as histology and pathology, where it can influence the interpretation of tissue samples. This would not involve external bacteria, healing processes, or cellular regeneration, which are separate mechanisms in the broader context of tissue dynamics.