Stages of Death

Question 1

pallor mortis

Answer 1

first stage after death marked by pale and yellowish skin

Question 2

algor mortis

Answer 2

second stage of death marked by decrease in body temperature

Question 3

rigor mortis

Answer 3

third stage of death marked by stiffening of muscles (starts 0-8 hours after death and peaks at 8-12 hours)

Question 4

livor mortis

Answer 4

fourth stage of death marked by blood settling in anatomically low areas of tissue resulting in blue-purple discoloration in these areas. muscle tension decrease and pupils dilate

Question 5

putrefaction

Answer 5

fifth stage of death marked by breakdown of tissues and organs (24-48 hours after death

Question 6

decomposition

Answer 6

sixth stage of death marked by organic matter of the body breaking down to elemental matter

Question 7

skeletonization

Answer 7

seventh stage of death marked by exposing of the skeleton