Forensics Week 04 Flashcards
What are the two distinct perspectives on death
Natural and Cultural
What was death (up to 1970’s)
cessation of circulation and respiration
What is the new standard on death
Brain Death is the new standard
When does decomposition begin
~4 minutes after death
What is autolysis
Self digestion
What is algor mortis
Cooling of the body to room temperature. Body will take the shape of things around it. Liver temperature most common for determining overall cooling rates
What is livor mortis
discolouration of the body after death due to gravitational settling of the blood. Noticeable after 1 hour, fixed after 8-10
What is Rigor Mortis
Loss of ATP after death causes muscle stiffness. Maximum rigor achieved after about 10-12 hours.
When is algor mortis most useful
10-12 hours after death
What are the 4 stages of decomposition
Fresh
Bloat
Active Decay
Dry Remains
What is the time frame for the fresh stage
24 hours after death
Characterise the body during the fresh stage
Body may be still warm. Algor mortis may have reduced temp. Livor mortis begins
Characterise the body during the Bloat stage
Less intense odour. Abdominal region shows bloating. Green colouration spreads through body
What it the time frame for the bloat stage
first few days
What is the time frame for active decay
first few weeks to months
Characterise the body during active decay
Strong odour. Body bursts. Skin slippage beginning in the face and spreading down body. Body fluid leak. Most insect activity. Stage will be shorted in warming areas
What is the time frame for dry decay
few months to several years
Characterise dry decay
Removal of soft tissues, skeletal structures left behind. In drier climates, skin may still coat the bones
What four factors does decomposition depend on in general
Temperature
Exposure
Local fauna
Moisture levels
What is decay like underwater
c. half the rate of bodys normally. Bacteria do the work, faster in swamps, slower in fresh water and slowest in salt water. Adipocere may protect parts of the body. Body will eventually float
What is excarnation and how is it done
Removal of organs and flesh, done by cutting away flesh or boiling the body
What is a legal reason for death to be established
It is illegal to remove vital organs from live people
What is evisceration
Removal of vital organs in order to delay putrefaction
