Forensic Pathology Flashcards
What time period after death offers the best opportunity for timing death?
First 18 hours
(In the first 12 hours) what is the main method used for timing death?
Measurement of body temperature (usually rectal)
State four factors affecting rate of cooling
Body temperature at the time of death (eg elevated in infection)
Clothing
Adipose tissue
Environmental temperature
What is the best possible accuracy of time of death?
+/- 2.5 hours (5 hour window)
As a general rule of thumb how much heat is lost per hour post mortem?
1°C
What is rigor mortis and why does it occur?
Stiffening and shortening of muscle fibres
All ATP used up so myosin heads cannot detach from actin
(All muscles are affected)
When does rigor mortis become apparent?
5-7 hours after death
When does rigor mortis become fully established?
8-12 hours after death
When does rigor mortis become absent and why?
Around 36 hours post mortem due to decomposition
What is putrefaction caused by?
The action of bacteria
What variables should be considered when discussing putrefaction?
Ambient temperature
Cleanliness of the environment
Describe the progress of putrefaction
TWO to THREE days: green discolouration of abdominal skin
ONE week: blister formation, tissue swelling, gas formation in body cavities and vascular marbling due to putrefaction in superficial veins.
What is mummification?
‘Dry’ decomposition with a relative lack of bacterial involvement
Which age group are particularly prone to mummification?
Infants
Which is an adipocere?
A soap like material produced by the decomposition of fatty tissue in wet environments
