Under these dire circumstances, the least essential muscles and organs from the standpoint of survival are metabolized first.
"How and When to Be Your Own Doctor"
Dr. Isabelle A. Moser with Steve Solomon
The very last part of the body to be metabolized when one is starving and as has come very close to death would be the brain and the nervous system.
"How and When to Be Your Own Doctor"
Dr. Isabelle A. Moser with Steve Solomon