1.2 Autopsy Flashcards
Physiological Time of Death
The time when the decedent’s vital functions actually ceased
The time when the decedent’s vital functions actually ceased
Physiological Time of Death
Estimated Time of Death
The time the medical examiner estimates that the death occured
The time the medical examiner estimates that the death occured
Estimated Time of Death
Legal Time of Death
The time of death recorded on the death certificate; based on when the body was found or physically pronounced dead
The time of death recorded on the death certificate; based on when the body was found or physically pronounced dead
Legal Time of Death
Algor Mortis
begin
0-24 hours
Riger Mortis
Begin
2-4 hours
Liver Mortis
Begin
0-24 hours
seen within first 2 hours of death
Algor Mortis
The body is estimated to lose or gain __________ degrees per hour.
1.5
Rigor Mortis (Def)
After the body stops functioning, the muscles contract and stiffen
Where does Rigor Mortis begin and how does it move in the body.
First observed in the head and neck and moves to the arms and legs
How many hours before Full Rigor Mortis
8-12 hours and “fixes” the body in the position assumed at death
How many hours until Rigor fades
36-48 hours and decomposition begins
What happens to the blood when the heart stops beating?
Blood collects on the parts of the body facing the ground
The bluish color seen on the skin where blood pools
Liver Mortis or Lividity
Full signs of Lividity occurs within
5 hours
Fixed Lividity occurs in
8-12 Hours
Lividity times:
First signs
Full signs
Fixed
2 hours
5 hours
8-12 hours
Rigor Mortis times:
Begins
Full
Fades
2-4 hours
8-12 hours
36-48 hours
When does the clouding of the corneas happen
3-4 hours
What is clouding of the cornea
The corneas, the clear part of the eyes become milky and cloudy
When does decomposition begin
36-48 hours
The body turns greenish in color and may swell or bloat because bacteria is breaking down the tissue and releasing gas. It has a nasty smell.
Decomposition
