Post-Mortem Changes Flashcards
Somatic Death
Stops breathing, stops metabolism, BRAIN STEM DEATH
Temperature Degradation
Metabolic activity promotes heat!
After cell death (somatic death) there is no ways cells can provide heat
Remember..
Slope on curve will depend on insulation fat etc…
Their body might not have started at 37 degrees!
Post-mortem hypo-stasis also known as…
Lividity
Livor Mortis
Post-mortem staining
Post-mortem hypostasis
POST MORTEM STAINING
The settling of blood in blood vessel under the action of gravity with areas of pressure pallor
(Discolouration of the body as blood descends into the dependent parts (eg if you lie down etc blood will flow to your back))
Bright Cherry Pink Lividity means…
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Rigor Mortis
The stiffening of muscles after death which occurs in a cycle, wearing on over a period then wearing off again after a period
(Occurs immediately after death)
(you can get heat contractions - it looks like the person is moving/ alive)
Early changes
Temperature Degradation
Post-mortem hypostasis
Rigor Mortis
Late changes
Putrefaction and Autolysis
Adipocere formation
Mummification
Skeletonization
Other changes
Maceration
Embalming
Post-mortem mutilation
Putrefaction
Microbiological degradation
Caused by microorganisms (bacteria/ moulds)
Autolysis
Endogenous Proteolytic Degredation
Body is full of enzymes- which now start to break down body
Babies autolyse in the womb (still birth)
(they will not go through putrefaction)
Adipocere Formation
Saponification
Later form of degradation (creates awful smell)
No microorganisms will touch it at this stage
Mummification
Usually with warmth (rare in Aberdeen)
Occurs when body is exposed to warm breeze etc or DRYNESS (takes away the moisture)
Becomes brown/leather
Skeletonization
Loss of soft tissue
On average it takes a year
Maceration
No putrefaction
Still births
