1.2.2 Flashcards
Physiological Time of Death
The time when the decedent’s vital functions actually ceased.
Estimated Time of Death
The time a medical examiner estimates that the death occurred.
Legal Time of Death
The time of death recorded on the death certificate; based on when the body was found or physically pronounced dead.
Algor Mortis
The change in body temperature after death.
Rigor Mortis
The stiffening of joints and muscles after death.
Livor Mortis
Pooling of the body after death that causes a purplish red discoloration of the skin; lividity.
Postmortem Timeline (0-24 hrs):
Temperature change - Immediately after death the body’s temperature changes to match its surroundings; it reaches the surrounding temperature at around 24 hours. It is estimated it cools at a rate of 1.5 degrees per hour.
Postmortem Timeline (3-4 hrs):
Clouded Corneas - Happens several hours after death. They have a milky or cloudy appearance, usually a light blue. The pupil is not black.
Postmortem Timeline (2-4 hrs):
Rigor Mortis - Starts in the neck and the head and then moves to the arms and legs. Full rigor mortis happens in 8-12 hours. At 36-48 hours rigor fades.
Postmortem Timeline (0-24 hrs):
Livor Mortis - Blood settles in the parts of the body that are closest to the ground. Blue color can be seen where the blood is. Livor mortis is fixed at 8-12 hours.
Postmortem Timeline (36-48 hrs):
Decomposition - At 36-48 hours the body turns greenish and may bloat/swell. Bad smell is caused by bacteria breaking down the body.
Postmortem Timeline (1-145):
Insect Activity - Eggs, larva or full grown bugs can show how long decay has been happening.
When does full rigor mortis happen?
8-12 hours
When does rigor mortis fade?
36-48 hours
