Death investigations Flashcards
study key terms of death investigations
What is an autopsy?
An autopsy is a surgical procedure on a dead body to ascertain the cause of death from body organs and bodily fluids.
What does an autopsy comprise?
An autopsy comprises x-rays (case dependent), as well as external and internal examinations.
What is the purpose of x-rays in an autopsy?
X-rays show any foreign objects such as projectiles, informing the pathologist of their location during the autopsy.
What is included in an external examination during an autopsy?
An external examination documents items such as the victim’s clothing, fingernail scrapings/clippings, known blood samples, and swabs from various body areas.
What does an internal examination involve?
An internal examination involves systematically opening the body, weighing, dissecting, and sectioning each organ, and measuring liquids from the digestive tract and blood.
What can microscopic examinations of the lungs and liver confirm?
Microscopic examinations of the lungs and liver can confirm intravenous drug use.
What is the purpose of cranium examinations?
Cranium examinations involve cutting into the skull cap to examine the brain and interior of the skull.
What is meant by ‘cause of death’?
‘Cause of death’ identifies the injury or disease that led to the chain of events resulting in death.
What is blunt force trauma?
Blunt force trauma is caused by a non-sharpened object that can abrade, scrape, and tear tissue.
What is sharp force trauma?
Sharp force trauma occurs when weapons with sharp edges inflict injuries capable of cutting or stabbing.
What is asphyxia?
Asphyxia refers to the interference of oxygen, such as toxic carbon monoxide binding to hemoglobin during a fire.
What are gunshot wounds caused by?
Gunshot wounds are caused by an explosive device such as a firearm, and the appearance of the wound can indicate the distance from which it was inflicted.
What are the five broad categories used to determine manner of death?
The five categories are homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and undetermined.
What is homicide?
Homicide is death resulting from gross negligence, reckless, or intentional actions of another person.
What is suicide?
Suicide is death resulting from someone taking their own life with lethal intention.
What is accidental death?
Accidental death results from unintentional harm caused through negligence by an offender or victim.
What is natural death?
Natural death includes disease, environmental abuse, or long exposure to toxins or asbestos.
What does undetermined death mean?
Undetermined death occurs when no rational classifications can be established, including the absence of findings from toxicological or microscopic exams.
What is algor mortis?
Algor mortis is the process after death where the body temperature cools until it reaches ambient temperature.
What is livor mortis?
Livor mortis is the process after death where blood circulation stops and settles in areas closest to the ground.
What is rigor mortis?
Rigor mortis is the process after death that results in the stiffening of muscle mass, beginning within 24 hours and usually disappearing within 36 hours.
