forensics study guide part 3 ( pages 9-18)

Ventricular fibrillation

A life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid and chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles of the heart.

Respiratory depression

A decrease in the rate and depth of breathing leading to inadequate oxygen intake.

Cardiac tamponade

A medical emergency where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, exerting pressure on the heart.

Hypoxia

Oxygen deprivation leading to inadequate supply to tissues and organs.

Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding resulting in severe loss of blood volume.

Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cessation of heart function leading to the stoppage of blood circulation.

Neurological injury

Severe injury or damage to the brain affecting vital functions.

Toxicological

Poisoning or overdose of a toxic substance resulting in organ dysfunction.

Infection/Septicemia

Systemic infection causing severe inflammatory response and organ failure.

Shock

Inadequate perfusion of organs and tissues due to low blood pressure or decreased blood volume.

Organ Failure

Failure of multiple organs leading to a cascading decline in physiological function.

Metabolic Disturbances

Severe disruptions in metabolic processes affecting vital functions.

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electurcion

Heat Stroke

Extreme temperature causing the body to overheat, leading to organ failure.

Rigor mortis

The stiffening of muscles that occurs following death, lasting 36-48 hours postmortem.

Livor mortis

Discoloration of the body due to the settling of deoxygenated blood after death.

Algor mortis

Cooling of the body that occurs after death.

Mechanical trauma

Injuries caused by physical force, including blunt and sharp force trauma.

Chemical trauma

Injuries caused by exposure to hazardous or toxic substances.

Electrical trauma

Injuries caused by exposure to electric current.

Antemortem injuries

Injuries sustained before death that show inflammation.

Postmortem injuries

Injuries occurring after death which do not show signs of bleeding.

Biological profile

Information including sex, age, stature, ancestry/race used in forensic anthropology.

Deciduous dentition

The set of baby teeth that will be replaced by adult teeth.

Permanent dentition

The adult set of teeth that includes 28-32 teeth.

Blunt force trauma

Injuries caused by non-sharpened, dull objects.

Sharp force trauma

Injuries caused by sharp implements that penetrate the body.

Penetrating gunshot wound

When the object enters the body and remains inside.

Perforating gunshot wound

When the object passes through the body, creating both entrance and exit wounds.

Incision

A clean, straight cut made by a sharp-edged object.

Laceration

A jagged or irregular wound caused by tearing or stretching.

Amputation

The complete removal or separation of a body part.

Abrasion

A superficial wound caused by scraping against a rough surface.

Puncture

A wound caused by a sharp, pointed object penetrating the skin.

Avulsion

A wound where a portion of skin or tissue is forcibly torn away.

Contusion

A bruise caused by blunt force trauma leading to blood vessel rupture.

Hematoma

A large scale contusion caused by damage to larger blood vessels.

Forensic anthropology

The application of anthropology in a legal context, often involving the identification of skeletal remains.

Postmortem interval (PMI)

The time elapsed since death, estimated using entomology.

Blow flies

Insects whose development stages are used to estimate time of death.

Maggot debridement therapy (MDT)

A medical treatment using sterile maggots to remove necrotic tissues from wounds.