Medical Terms Flashcards
Suborbital Hemorrhaging
Pressure in the brain causing black eyes.
Post-mortem interval
(PMI) is the time that has elapsed since a person has died.
Aortic Laceration
The largest artery in the body, is torn or ruptured as a result of trauma to the body. The condition is frequently fatal due to the profuse bleeding that results from the rupture.
Internal Exsanguination
The internal loss of blood to a degree sufficient to cause death.
Respiratory System
It’s primary function is to breathe in air, absorb oxygen into the bloodstream, and breathe out carbon dioxide.
Livor Mortis
Also known as hypostasis, is the discoloration of the skin due to the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body following death. The blood pools because the heart can no longer circulate the blood.
Rigor Mortis
The stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body a few hours after death, usually lasting from one to four days. Chemical change in muscles due to lack of oxygen.
Algor Mortis
The cooling of the body after death until it reaches ambient temperature. Cools 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.
Tardieu Spots
Spotting observed in the tissues of persons who have been strangled, or otherwise asphyxiated. Sign of vertical death.
Blanching
The skin takes on a whitish appearance as blood flow to the region is prevented.
Cadaveric Spasm
A rare form of muscular stiffening that occurs at the moment of death and persists into the period of rigor mortis.
Pugilistic Attitude
An extremely typical post-mortem body posture caused by a coagulation of muscle proteins when the body is exposed to extremely high temperatures.
Decomposition
The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler matter.
Skeletonization
The final stage of decomposition, during which the soft tissues of a corpse have decayed or dried to the point that the skeleton is exposed.
Mummification
The heat and dryness dehydrates the body, creating lifelike and natural ‘mummies’
