Forensic Pathology Flashcards
where do most bugs harbor in decomposition bodies?
body orifices, especially the eyes
localizations on the body –> they want to get onto the interior –> so bullet wound and tract.
Mortis:
what are the three different types of mortis?
rigor mortis –> body is stiff due to cross linking of skeletal muscle fibers.. can proceed at a fairly uniform rate (starts a few hours after death and maximum 24-48 hours and then) –> called secondary flaccidity
algor mortis –> cooling of body after death (usually dependent on temperature)…
livor mortis –> no systemic circulation, all RBC and formed elements go to deep ended portions of the body. they become fixed or unfixed
fixed - not blanchable, fixed in place
unfixed - blanchable
all this is kind of meaningless without knowing the baseline temperature
Putrefactive?
adipocere formation
mummification
most common type –> body that has died in a setting in temperate and humid. reduces the body to gas and water. (skin begins to slip, color changes, smells) –> where does it accumulate most? Cecum and the overlying patch of skin (because that’s where most bacteria is located)
body is found in water –> epidermis is dissolved.. lipid layer encasing the body especially in freshwater. preservation aspect.
rare in the US.. but bodies that have died in super arid, low moisture, where there is very few organisms and the body dries up.
major focus of a forensic investigation? 3 things
what is the manner of death mnemonic?
why did they die, how did they die,
manner of death (NASHU) –> natural, accident, suicide, homicide, undetermined
who can legally certify and sign a death certificate for a natural death?
licensed physician, coroner, justices of peace or someone that is allowed by statute to sign one in the absence of a licensed physician
who can sign the death certificate of accident, suicide, homicide, and undetermined deaths?
medical examiner
misconceptions of forensic pathology
time of death –> very hard to determine
rapidity of testing –> takes forever
Databases and facial recognition stuff
role of medical examiner
assign a cause of death (COD) –> scientific
render an opinion as to the manner of death (judicial opinion pretty much.. medical examiner is acting like a drug) –> rests on everything on the case, not just the autopsy.
who does the Medical Examiner work for? what’s super important to know?
NO DUTY to families, so who does he/she work for?
works for society, not family
focus of forensics?
foul play and unnatural death is the focus of forensics
why are there so few hospital autopsies in modern era?
1) everybody gets sued –> something that contributed to the death that you didn’t diagnose earlier by a pathologist but then is found by a forensic pathologist constitutes a lawsuit.
2) expensive and takes time
Medical examiners conduct their autopsies how? why are they done here?
ME have soveriegn immunity –> can’t be sued in the legitimate exercise of their office.
so mostly conducted at ME offices
what role does the family play in decision-making, in terms of when and if an autopsy is performed
no duty to families, so we use our best judgment.
early effects of radiation injury?
blood and bone marrow + gonadal effects on testes and ovaries.
when is homicide the highest?
usually by whom?
15-34, males
