Normal vs. Abnormal Anatomy Flashcards
What is normal anatomy dependent upon?
CONTEXT
What is normal anatomy for this class?
Majority of humans presenting in a certain way
No CHANGES (traumatic of pathological) detected of FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE
What are the different classifications of anatomical abnormalities?
Congenital
Developmental
Pathological
Traumatic
Decompositional
Give examples of developmental change
Growth (height, weight, proportions)
Secondary sex characteristics
Trans individuals pre and post operative
Give an example of how body proportions change over time.
At 1 year head takes up 25% of body, vs. 6% as an adult
What type of changes are age related?
Metabolic
Degenerative
Wear and tear
Describe metabolic changes as you age.
Loss or gain of proteins, minerals, digestive abilities
Body mass distribution changes
What is degenerative change?
Loss of function
Give an example of degenerative change
Osteoporosis
What is wear and tear?
Accumulation of pathology and injury.
What does wear and tear lead to?
Loss of healing ability
Loss of immune function
Give examples of pathological changes to tissue and organs
Loss of tissue
Scar tissue
Give examples of immune responses that indicate pathological change.
Formation of structures (e.g. granuloma)
Sepsis
Cytokine storm
Give examples of pathological change
Changes to tissues and organs
Immune response
Loss of function
Associated mental health impacts
What can cause traumatic change?
Force
Chemicals
Heat
Environmental conditions
Give examples of traumatic changes
Loss/change of tissue
Loss of function
Behavioural change
What is key about decompositional change?
It is a PROCESS
What is important when interpreting decomp changes?
Steps can mimic injury or pathology
What environmental factors can influence the steps of decomp?
Heat
Humidity
Animal activity
Clothing
Body habitus
Are ALL abnormalities forensically significant?
No.
Are all pathological abnormalities forensically significant?
Depends
When are pathological abnormalities forensically significant?
In sudden natural death
What is sudden natural death?
Death occurring within 24-48 hours after symptoms appear
Are traumatic abnormalities forensically significant?
Depends
Give an example of an abnormality that may or may not be forensically significant.
Rickets - can be caused by genetics or neglect
