Lecture 1 - Changes after death Flashcards
What is somatic death
The irreversible stoppage of vital functions
What is cellular death
The death of tissues and cells to no longer perform metabolic processes
Algor mortis
Post mortem cooling of the body to the surrounding temperature
Liver mortis
Blood pooling in the dependent areas of the body. Non-fixed approximately 2-8hr after death
Rigor mortis
Stiffening of the limbs due to lack of ATP, muscle filaments lock into place approximately 2-4hr after death
Decomposition
The breakdown of organic substances into simpler organic matter
What is putrefaction
The disintegration of tissues due to bacterial and micro-organism activity
What are the indicators of putrefaction
Venous marbling and green discolouration. Skin blisters and skin slippage, bloating and purging
Adipocere
Waxy substance produced from body fat in moist environments through aerobic bacterial hydrolysis
Mummification
The drying of a body in extremely warm or cold dry environments
Post-mortem predation
The consumption of flesh and tissues by animals
Tache noire
Black discolouration of the whites of the eyes
