Post Mortem Changes

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Post Mortem Changes


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Postmortem Interval
Post-mortem changes refers to changes and decomposition occurring in the human body after death.
The post-mortem interval (PMI) – the time that has elapsed since death.
This may be estimated, when it is not known, from such changes, using medical and scientific techniques.



Pallor Mortis
Paleness evident in individuals with light/white skin almost instantly (in the 15–25 minutes after the death) because of a lack of capillary circulation throughout the body.



Algor Mortis
Death heat, cooling of the body after death
Forensic investigators will take the temperature of the liver.
A body cools at a rate of about 1.4 degrees per hour immediately after death
Then slows to 0.7 degrees per hour after about 12 hours until it reaches the same temperature as the environment



Rigor Mortis
Death stiffness, the skeletal muscles will stiffen after death
Lack of oxygen to cells results in calcium build-up in the muscles resulting in the stiffening
Rigor mortis first becomes apparent in the eyelids and jaws of the victim and spreads throughout the whole body in approximately 6 to 12 hours, before receding again after another 6 to 12 hours.
A dead body that is not stiff has probably been either dead less than 2-hours or more than 48-hours.

Livor Mortis
discoloration of dependent parts of the body after death.
Is the result of pooling of blood in tissues after death.
The red blood cells break releasing the hemoglobin and turning a purple color.
This begins about 20min after death and reaches a maximum within 6-12 hours with the final discoloration being permanent.
Between 2-8 hours after death the skin will disappear when the skin is pressed on.



Putrefaction
Break down of proteins and liquefaction of most organs.
The exact rate of putrefaction is dependent upon many factors such as weather, exposure and location.
Warm temperatures = faster rate of decomposition



Decomposition
Process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler forms of matter.



Skeletonization
The skeletonization process is completed when all soft tissue will have been eliminated, leaving only disarticulated bones.




Link to Lecture Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1atnR8Cgr375vqwUeX276iGER8j8hBmQC/view?usp=sharing

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