taphonomy and decomposition

Question 1

how are body farms justified

Answer 1

improves search and location skills
improves recovery skills
builds resilience in first responders
long scale time since death estimation
builds post mortem narrative

Question 2

principle stages of decomposition

Answer 2

fresh –> mortem triad (algor, livor and rigorous mortis)
putrefaction
black putrefaction
butyric fermentation
dry decay (skeletonization)

Question 3

what is autolysis

Answer 3

pre-programmed cell death
caused by a lack of O2
occurs first in most metabolically active cells
build of CO causes increase in cell pH
cell enzymes attack cell walls
release nutrient-rich fluid into surrounding initiates putrefaction

Question 4

putrefaction

Answer 4

anaerobic bacterial activity cause soft tissues to break down into gases , liquids and salts

Question 5

decomposition

Answer 5

aerobic bacterial activity occurs alongside anaerobic activity

Question 6

order of putrefaction

Answer 6

1. intestines, stomach, organs of digestion , heart and blood
2. air passages and lungs
3. kidney and bladder
4. brain and nervous tissue
5. skeletal muscles
6. connective tissue and integument
7. bones

Question 7

what is marbling

Answer 7

caused by autolysis of red blood cells
O2 dissociates from haemoglobin
turns a purple/blue colour

Question 8

skin slippage

Answer 8

caused by release of hydrolytic enzymes by cells at the dermal-epidermal junction
loosening of the epidermis
i.e. for fingerprinting you can remove the skin and put it on your own hand

Question 9

bloating

Answer 9

growth of bacteria within gastro intenstinal tract
soft tissues cause distension or bloating

Question 10

purging

Answer 10

decomposition of the gut lining and contents and lungs
purge fluid being expelled from offices due to gas pressure

Question 11

what main products are produced then proteins are broke down

Answer 11

putrescine and cadaverine
–> this is what cadaver dogs smell

Question 12

what are the five stages of decomposition

Answer 12

fresh
bloat
active decay
advanced decay
dry remains

Question 13

describe fresh decay

Answer 13

body cools , rigorously mortis and livor mortis
adult blowflies visit the body

Question 14

describe bloat stage of decomposition

Answer 14

distension of abdomen , marbling , purging and skin slippage

Question 15

descibe active decay

Answer 15

1

Question 16

describe advanced decay

Answer 16

1

Question 17

what are bldescribe dry remains

Answer 17

1

Question 18

what are the action of insects on a dead body

Answer 18

1

Question 19

what are the factors affecting decomposition

Question 20

what is skeletal decomposition and post skeletonisation change

Answer 20

2

Question 21

what is preservation of a body affected by

Answer 21

1

Question 22

what is bio erosion

Answer 22

caused by fungi bacteria and microorganisms in aquatic environments