Postmortem Changes and Forensic Injuries

Algor Mortis

The cooling of the body after death due to the cessation of metabolic processes.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffening of the muscles after death, typically beginning within 2-6 hours and peaking at 12-24 hours.

Livor Mortis

The pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body after death, causing purplish-red discoloration due to gravity.

Tache Noir

Dark reddish-brown drying of the exposed sclera of the eye due to postmortem exposure to air.

Tardieu Spots

Petechial hemorrhages in dependent areas of the body due to prolonged livor mortis or asphyxial deaths.

Autolysis

The self-digestion of cells and tissues by their own enzymes after death.

Putrefaction

The decomposition of body tissues due to bacterial activity, leading to bloating, discoloration, and gas formation.

Epiphysis

The rounded end part of a long bone, which ossifies separately from the main bone shaft.

Osteoarthritic Lipping

The formation of bony projections (osteophytes) along joint margins due to arthritis or aging.

Sciatic Notch

A curved bony structure on the ilium used in forensic anthropology to determine sex differences in skeletal remains.

Sacroiliac Joint

The joint connecting the sacrum to the ilium of the pelvis, critical for weight transfer between the spine and lower limbs.

Contusion

A bruise caused by blunt force trauma, leading to bleeding beneath the skin.

Battle Sign Injury

Bruising behind the ear (mastoid region) indicative of a basilar skull fracture.

Periocular Hematoma

Bruising around the eyes, often referred to as 'raccoon eyes,' associated with skull fractures.

Abrasion

A superficial skin injury caused by friction or scraping.

Laceration

A tear or wound in the skin caused by blunt force trauma, as opposed to a sharp, clean cut.

Tissue Bridging

Strands of connective tissue and blood vessels remaining intact within a laceration, distinguishing it from an incised wound.

Contre-Coup Fractures

Brain injuries occurring on the opposite side of the impact due to rapid deceleration forces.

Biological Profile

A forensic anthropology assessment including age, sex, ancestry, and stature from skeletal remains.

Pugilistic Attitude

A boxer-like posture caused by muscle contraction due to heat exposure, typically seen in burn victims.

Lead Snowstorm

A radiographic appearance of multiple small lead fragments, often seen in gunshot wounds.

Metaphyseal Injuries

Bone injuries near the growth plate, often associated with child abuse or trauma.

Brush Burns

Abrasions caused by friction, such as from sliding on rough surfaces.

Chance Fracture

A horizontal spinal fracture caused by excessive flexion, often associated with seatbelt injuries in car accidents.

Cleavage Lines of Langer

Natural skin tension lines that guide surgical incisions and wound healing patterns.

Range of Fire

The distance between a firearm and its target, which affects wound characteristics.

Powder Stippling

Tiny punctate abrasions or burns on the skin caused by unburned gunpowder particles from close-range gunfire.

Petechia

Small red or purple spots caused by capillary hemorrhages, often seen in strangulation or asphyxial deaths.

Carotid Sinus

A baroreceptor-sensitive area in the carotid artery involved in regulating blood pressure, which can be compressed in strangulation cases.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood.