Forensic Vocab: Decomposition and Time of Death

Postmortem Interval (PMI)

The time that has passed since a person’s death.

Algor Mortis

The cooling of the body after death; body temperature decreases until it reaches ambient temperature.

Livor Mortis

The pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body after death, causing purplish discoloration.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffening of muscles after death due to chemical changes in muscle tissue.

Autolysis

Self-digestion of cells caused by enzymes released after death.

Putrefaction

Breakdown of tissues by bacteria, producing gases and strong odors.

Bloat Stage

1. A stage of decomposition where gases build up inside the body, causing swelling

Active Decay

Stage marked by significant tissue breakdown and release of bodily fluids.

Advanced Decay

Stage when most soft tissue has decomposed and decay slows.

Dry Remains (Skeletonization

Final stage of decomposition where mostly bones, hair, and dried tissue remain.

Forensic Pathology

The medical specialty that determines cause and manner of death

Cause of Death

The specific injury or disease that results in death (e.g., gunshot wound).

Manner of Death

The classification of death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or undetermined).

Thanatology

The scientific study of death and the changes that occur afterward.

Decomposition Rate

The speed at which a body breaks down, influenced by temperature, insects, and environment.

Forensic Entomology

The study of insects on a body to help estimate time of death

Blowfly Lifecycle

The predictable stages of blowfly development used to estimate PMI.

Environmental Factors

Conditions such as temperature, humidity, burial depth, and exposure that affect decomposition.

Taphonomy

The study of what happens to remains after death, including environmental effects.

Time Since Death Estimation

The use of physical, chemical, and biological indicators to approximate when death occurred.