Death/Postmortem

Question 1

What are the immediate changes in somatic death?

Answer 1

1) Irreversible cessation of brain and brainstem function (EARLIEST)

2) Irreversible cessation of respiration (>4 min)

3) Irreversible cessation of circulation (>3-5 min)

Question 2

What are the early changes in molecular death?

Answer 2

1) Changes in the skin and facial pallor
2) Primary relaxation/flaccidity of the muscles
3) Contact flattening and pallor
4) Changes in the eye

Question 3

Where does rigor mortis first appear?

Answer 3

Heart muscle (within an hour)

Question 4

What are the external signs of decomposition?

Answer 4

1) Discoloration (cecum)
2) Distention
3) Degradation
4) Dissolution