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
