Evisceration (autotomy)

Evisceration is a method of autotomy involving the ejection of internal organs used by animals as a defensive strategy.

• Sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) eject parts of the gut in order to scare predators. The gut can then be regenerated in a few days by cells in the interior of the sea cucumber.

• Starfish use evisceration to remove their stomachs through their mouths in order to eat their prey. The starfish then puts its stomach back inside of its body.