Exam 1: Postmortem Changes Flashcards
Self-digestion or degradation of cells and tissues by the hydrolytic enzymes normally present in tissues
Autolysis
Process by which PM bacteria break down tissues
putrefaction
T/F. those tissues with greater conc. of proteolytic enzymes will autolyze slower
F. Quicker
The Rate of decomposition depends on what 3 things?
- Cause of Death
- Environmental and body temp.
- Microbial Flora
The presence of _____ is the most likely to be microscopically obscured by decomp.:
a. cell injury (necrosis)
b. Foreign material
c. Infectious agents
d. Inflammation
e. Neoplasia
a. cell injury
Contraction of the muscles after death
rigor mortis
When does rigor mortis begin and how long does it last?
begins: 1-6 hrs
lasts: 1-2 days
T/F. High heat and high activity before death accelerate the onset of rigor mortis
T
What causes rigor mortis?
depletion of ATP and inability of myosin to detach from actin binding site
When gravity pulls blood post death
Livor mortis
What is another name for livor mortis?
Hypostatic congestion
When and where does post-mortem blood clotting occur after death?
several hours post death in the heart and vessels
Describe what an antemortem clot looks like?
- attached to vessel wall
- dry and dull
- lamellated (layers)
- friable (will break)
Describe what a Postmortem clot looks like
- Unattached
- shiny and wet
- Elastic
- Perfect cast of vessel lumen
What is another term for antemortem blood clot?
thrombus
Red Staining of tissue, especially the intima of heart, arteries, and veins
Hemoglobin imbibition
What is the pathogenesis of hemoglobin imbibition?
Hb is released by lysed RBCs, penetrate the vessel wall and extends into the adj. tissues
Bile in the gallbladder starts to penetrate the wall and stains the adj. tissues
bile imbibition
Results from postmortem bacterial gas formation in the lumen of the GI tract
Bloat
Who bloats faster, herbivores or carnivors?
herbivores
What are 3 changes associated with bloat?
- rectal/vaginal prolapse
- froth in trachea
- ruptured viscera
What are 2 common PM eye changes?
- corneal opacity
2. cold cataracts
refers to greenish-black discoloration of tissues post mortem
Pseudomelanosis
What is the pathogenesis of pseudomelanosis?
decomp. of blood by bacterial action forming hydrogen sulfide with iron, commonly seen in tissues in contact with the gut.
