Death Investigations Flashcards
1
Q
Rigor-Mortis
A
muscle stiffening due to chemical reactions in proteins
begins 2-6hrs after death, max out at 10-12hrs
2
Q
Livor-Mortis
A
lividity, visible pooling of blood due to gravity, fixed at 8-10hrs
3
Q
Algor-Mortis
A
cooling of the body until core = environment, not a steady rate
4
Q
Decomposition
A
- autolysis: from the bodies enzymes
- putrefaction: bacteria on the body
5
Q
Post-mortem interval (ToD)
A
- warm and flexible = few hours
- warm and stiff = few hours-half a day
- cold and stiff = half-2 days
- cold and flexible = at least 2 days
- more difficult once decomp begins
- also can look at vitreous draw, eye appearance and stomach contents
6
Q
Trauma
A
- ante, peri, post-mortem
- chemical, thermal, electrical, asphyxia, overdose
7
Q
Autopsy Components
A
- x-ray, fingerprinting, external exam, microscopic exam, toxicology
- can be virtual/non-invasive using tech
8
Q
Sharp-force trauma
A
- knives, axes and other sharp blades
- death usually due to blood loss
- could be suicide or homicide
9
Q
Blunt-force trauma
A
- GSW, vehicular accidents
- penetrating or perforating
- death usually due to significant organ damage followed by blood loss
- could be suicide or homicide
