Embalming 1 Exam 2 Flashcards
Non-legal definitionIrreversible cessation of all vital functionsSuch as:RespirationHeart Action
Death
the noise made by a moribund (dying) person caused by air passing through a residue of mucous in the trachea and posterior oral cavity. (sound made by person close to death that does not happen all the time)
Death rattle:
the semi-convulsive twitches which often occur before death (person can carry it into death)
Death struggle:
condition in which the manifestations of life are feebly maintained
Apparent death:
body of a deceased person, including cremated remains
Human remains:
those elements remaining after cremation of a dead human body. The major element remaining is what??? Calcium (from bone)
Cremated remains:
dead human body used for medical purposes; including anatomical dissection and study
Cadaver:
the study of death
Thanatology:
- Somatic death
2. Post Mortem Cellular Death
Types of Death
the pronouncement of death; death of the organism as a whole
Somatic death
Historically it is recognized by the failure of one of the three organs –Heart (check heart beat EKG) –Brain (check brain wave EEG) –Lungs
Somatic death
Death of the individual cells of the body
Post Mortem Cellular Death:
Final cause of cellular death is oxygen starvationPost mortem cellular death will occur after somatic death
Post Mortem Cellular Death:
a) Cause of death
b) Environmental conditions ie: temperature, moisture
c) Conditions of body
d) Medication preceding death
Factors influencing onset of postmortem cellular death:
Can Cellular Death Occur Antemortem? Yes
Necrosis such as in a decubitus ulcer or gangrene
- Decomposition Best
- Cessation of Circulation & Respiration
- Algor Mortis
- Livor Mortis
- Rigor mortis
- Complete Muscular Relaxation
- Changes of the Eye
Signs of Death
The separation of compounds into simpler substances by the action of microbial and or Auto lytic enzymes (self destruction of body compounds; these advance decomposition of the body)
Decomposition
Considered the single, most reliable sign of death
Decomposition
stopping of blood flow or respiration (stop breathing)
Cessation of Circulation & Respiration
(only occur after death)Post mortem cooling of the body to the surrounding temperatures
Algor mortis
(cadaveric lividity)The post mortem, intravascular (within the vessels), red-blue discoloration caused by/resulting from the hypostasis of blood. Can be removed by vascular or arterial injecting
Livor Mortis
Can livor mortis be removed with normal arterial injection and venous drainage?
Yes, because it is intravascular
The settling of blood and/or other fluids to the dependent portions of the body
Hypostasis:
The post mortem temporary stiffening of the body muscles due to natural chemical body processes
Rigor mortis:
At death the muscles do not function
Complete Muscular Relaxation
Clouding of the cornea and loss of lusterFlattening of the eyeballPupil does not respond to light
Changes of the Eye
Any procedure used to prove a sign of death
- Expert tests: performed by experts
- Inexpert tests: J.P’s
Tests for Death
Stethoscope:
Ophthalmscope:
Electronic Life Detection Devices
Injections of various dyes
Expert tests
a delicate instrument used to detect almost inaudible sounds produced in the body
Stethoscope:
an optical instrument with an accompanying light that makes it possible to examine the retina and explore blood circulation
Ophthalmscope:
(EEG) Electroencephalogram: measure the brain electrical activity
(ECG/EKG) Electrocardiogram: records heart’s electrical activity
(ABR) Audio Brainstem Response: check brain activity based on audio sounds
(EGG) Electrogastrogram: records stomach/gastric activity
Electronic Life Detection Devices
injected into the body to check for circulation - 2 cc of fluorescein is injected into the upper arm. If there is circulation the whites of the eyes turn green
Injections of various dyes
Ligature test:
Ammonia injection test:
Feel for the pulse
Inexpert tests:
ligate a finger; if it becomes discolored and swells, life is present
Ligature test:
hypodermically inject ammonia, if alive the skill will show a redish reaction
Ammonia injection test:
Best to check in the neck (carotid artery)
Feel for the pulse
