In the context of wound healing, which type of suture is typically absorbed by the body over time?

The correct choice is absorbable suture because these sutures are specifically designed to break down within the body over time, eliminating the need for removal. They are typically made from materials such as polyglycolic acid or polyglactin, which are gradually metabolized by the body. This makes them ideal for internal sutures where long-term support is not necessary, as the body's own healing process can take over without the need for external intervention.

In contrast, non-absorbable sutures, such as silk and stainless steel, are intended to remain in place until they are manually removed, which is why they don't offer the same benefit in terms of automatic absorption and biodegradability. Non-absorbable sutures may be used in situations where long-term tensile strength is required, or where the risk of infection is higher, making it preferable to have a suture that won't dissolve.