Livor and Algor Mortis

Question 1

Livor mortis aka?

Answer 1

Hypostasis

Question 2

Hypostasis?

Answer 2

gravitational pooling of blood

Question 3

Where does hypostasis take place?

Answer 3

Externally in skin capillaries and internal organs

Question 4

Acceleration in decomp. is caused by? (6 options)

Answer 4

Death in a hot, moist environment
Subject is overweight with a high fat content
Subject suffered/died from underlying infection or sepsis
Subject was intoxicated
Subject had open wounds
Body was insulated by clothing

Question 5

Deceleration of decomp. is caused by? (3 options)

Answer 5

Death occurred in a cool (cold) and dry environment with low ambient temperaturesbSubject was scantily dressed/naked/undressed shortly after deathSubject was stored in a cool room shortly after death

Question 6

Mechanism of Hypostasis

Answer 6

When circulation ceases, gravity acts on the stagnant blood and pulls it down to the lowest accessible areas.

Question 7

Algor Mortis?

Answer 7

Cooling of the body after death

Question 8

How does algor mortis work?

Answer 8

When death occurs:
•Heat transfer within the cadaver ceases when circulation stops.
•Metabolic heat production does not cease uniformly.
•The skin surface begins to cool immediately

Question 9

How to take a rectal temperature.

Answer 9

Thermocouple inserted at 10cm into rectum and left for several minutes to stabilise.Done either at the scene or on removal to mortuary.