decomp

Question 1

what happens 5-7 hours after death

Answer 1

muscles stiffen due to breakdown of glycogen and accumulation of lactic acid

Question 2

where does muscle stiffening start

Answer 2

at the face and descends down the body

Question 3

how long does rigor mortis last

Answer 3

48-72 hours

Question 4

what controls rigor mortis

Answer 4

mitigated by high temps and lengthened by low temps

Question 5

what happens after rigor mortis

Answer 5

autolysis begins (biochemical fermentation0

Question 6

what gases are released in autolysis

Answer 6

• ammonia
• hydrogen sulphide
• carbon dioxide
• nitrogen

Question 7

what happens in the bloat stage

Answer 7

the flanks become greenish and the carcass bloats

Question 8

what gas is a useful bait for trapping flies and beetles

Answer 8

hydrogen sulphide

Question 9

what step occurs after bloating

Answer 9

putrefaction (rotting)

Question 10

what causes rotting in corpses

Answer 10

microorganisms in the body (largely intestinal flora, and invading sprophytic fungi and bacteria)

Question 11

true/false insects don’t help putrefaction

Answer 11

• false
• insects hasten rotting and the disintegration of corpses

Question 12

what order to parts of the body decompose

Answer 12

1) intestines, stomach, liver blood, heart blood and circulation, heart muscles
2) air passages, lungs
3) brain
4) kidneys and bladder
5) voluntary muscles (legs, arms, etc.)
6) uterus

Question 13

how long is the liver unattractive for after removal from a fresh carcass

Answer 13

first 3 hours after removal

Question 14

where are blowflies attracted to on a corpse

Answer 14

entrails, cut surfaces, kidneys

Question 15

what do larvae feed on during putrification

Answer 15

liquid between muscle fibers

Question 16

when do necrophageous insects arrive

Answer 16

after autolysis begins