Pathology

Natural death

interruption/failure of body functions from age or disease

\

Homicide

death of one person caused by another

Accident

unplanned events (car accident, falling from a ladder)

\
### Characteristics of carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide poisoning- a product of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas and gasoline, causes asphyxiation, red colouration

Thermal

deaths due to burns of extreme cold, hyperthermia, hypothermia

Electrical

depending on the type and magnitude of the electrical current that the victim is exposed to

Chemical

the fate of drugs and alcohol in the body are more often contributory factors than they are the cause of death

Mechanical trauma

gunshot and stabbing, motor vehicle accidents

Rigor Mortis

The rigidity of skeletal muscles after death

Livor Mortis

settling of blood, resulting in red/ purple colour pattern (“colour of death”)

Algor Mortis

cooling rate of the body after death (“Chill of Death”)

### Who can issue death certificates?

A death certificate is executed for every death, and a coroner or medical examiner must be signed

### Who performs autopsies? Coroner/medical examiner vs. forensic pathologist

Forensic pathologists are usually employed to perform autopsies to determine cause and manner of death.

### Autopsy-, describe procedure

A Y-shaped cut is done on the torso. The brain is also removed as well. the organs are removed and weighed. The intestines are kept alone to examine the cause of death. The organs are then put back and the body is sewed up again.

1st stage of decomposition

Fresh Stage (Days 1-2)

2nd stage of decomposition

B. Bloated Stage (Day 2-6)

3rd stage of decomposition

C. Decay Stage (Days 5-11)

4th stage of decomposition

D. Post-decay Stage (Days 10-25)

5th stage of decomposition

E. Dry Stage (Days 25+). Mainly bones and hair remain. Odor is primarily that of normal soil and litter. Can last several months to years.