What are the soft tissue organs which produce enzymes?

Question

I'm not understanding a previous answer on decomposition, answering being, soft tissue decompose first, particularly those that produce enzymes like the pancreas.

Answer 1

Soft tissue organs that produce enzymes are primarily involved in digestion and metabolism. Some of these organs include:

1. Pancreas: The pancreas produces and secretes various digestive enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and proteases. These enzymes help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively.
2. Liver: The liver produces bile, which contains bile salts that help emulsify and break down fats. It also plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
3. Salivary glands: Located in the mouth, the salivary glands produce saliva, which contains the enzyme amylase. Amylase helps break down starches into simpler sugars.
4. Stomach: The stomach produces gastric juice, which contains the enzyme pepsin. Pepsin helps break down proteins into smaller peptides.

Regarding decomposition, soft tissues, including the organs mentioned above, tend to decompose more rapidly than harder tissues like bones. This is because soft tissues are more easily accessible to decomposers like bacteria and insects, and enzymes produced by these organs can also contribute to the breakdown of surrounding tissues. The pancreas, in particular, contains a high concentration of enzymes that can contribute to the rapid decomposition of the organ itself and nearby tissues.