Self-cannibalism

Self-cannibalism is the act of consuming one's own body. This can occur both consciously and unconsciously, and can be either a survival mechanism or a pathological behavior.

Overview

Self-cannibalism, also known as Autophagy, is a biological process that allows a cell to destroy its own components through the lysosomal machinery. It is a survival mechanism that allows cells to recycle their own components to provide the necessary building blocks for maintaining cellular functions and adapting to stress conditions.

In a broader and more colloquial sense, self-cannibalism refers to the practice of humans eating parts of their own body, either as a form of mental illness, a survival strategy, or a ritualistic practice. This is considered a form of Cannibalism.

Biological Self-cannibalism

In biology, self-cannibalism is a normal process that occurs in cells. This process is known as autophagy, which is derived from the Greek words "auto", meaning "self", and "phagein", meaning "to eat". Autophagy is a crucial process for cellular homeostasis and survival during starvation. It is regulated by a complex molecular machinery, which ensures the degradation and recycling of cellular components.

Human Self-cannibalism

In humans, self-cannibalism is considered a taboo and a sign of severe mental illness. It is often associated with severe forms of Body dysmorphic disorder, Schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders. In extreme cases, self-cannibalism can be a form of Self-harm or Suicide.

Cultural Aspects

In some cultures, self-cannibalism has been practiced as a ritualistic act. For example, in certain pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, it was believed that the gods had practiced self-cannibalism, and thus, humans did the same as a form of religious devotion.

See Also

• Cannibalism
• Autophagy
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Self-harm
• Suicide