EMB Postmortem Chemical Changes Final Grade

Decomposition

separation of compounds into simpler substances by the action of microbial and/or autolytic enzymes.

Autolysis

self-destruction of cells; decomposition of all tissues by enzymes of their own formation without microbial assistance.

Fermentation

the microbial (enzymatic) decomposition of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions.

Saccharolysis

decomposition of sugars.

Proteolysis

decomposition of proteins.

Putrefaction

decomposition of proteins by the action of enzymes from anaerobic bacteria

Decay

decomposition of proteins by enzymes of aerobic bacteria.

Lipolysis

decomposition of fats.

Hydrolysis

decomposition with water as one of the reactants

Purge

postmortem evacuation of any substance from an external orifice of the body as a result of pressure.

Desquamation (Skin Slip)

separation of the epidermis from the underlying dermis as a result of putrefaction.

Amino acids

building block of protein

Fatty acids

product of decomposition of fats.

Ptomaines

any one of a group of nitrogenous organic compounds formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on proteins.

Pharmaceutical agents

drug or medicine that changes the biochemistry of the blood.

Carbohydrates

compound of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen that is an aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydroxy alcohol.

Rigor mortis

postmortem stiffening of the body muscles by natural body processes.

Postmortem stain

extravascular discoloration that occurs when heme seeps through the vessel 26 walls and into the body tissues.

Postmortem caloricity

rise in body temperature after death due to continued cellular metabolism.

Postmortem chemical change

change in the body's chemical composition that occurs after death.