What is postmortem cellular death primarily attributed to?

Postmortem cellular death is primarily attributed to autolytic processes, which occurs when cells break down due to the loss of chemical and physical homeostasis after death. Once circulation ceases, cells no longer receive oxygen, and metabolic processes come to a halt. This cessation leads to the breakdown of cellular structures and functions.

Autolysis is the process where enzymes within the cells, particularly lysosomal enzymes, begin to digest cell components. As the cells die, they release intracellular substances, leading to the changes observed in tissues after death. This biochemical breakdown can result in the characteristic signs of decomposition.

While the loss of oxygen is a critical factor in the immediate onset of cellular death, reliance solely on oxygen loss does not encompass the full process of cell degradation, especially in the context of autolytic changes that take place postmortem. External temperature changes and infection, while impactful in certain contexts, do not fundamentally drive the cellular death process like autolysis does after death has occurred.