Death Investigations: Body Exam

Arcus Senilis

a gray or white ring that appears around the outer edge of the cornea

Cornea Clouded

cloudy or opacified cornea

Petechiae

small, pinpoint red or purple spots that appear on the skin or mucous membranes (including eyes); often the result of increased pressure in the head from asphyxia deaths or strangulation but can appear naturally

Sclera Icteric

yellowing of the whites of the eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood before death, leading to jaundice

Tache Noir

eyes were open when the person died, oxygen caused a black like to appear where eye was open

Barrel Shaped Chest

result of prolonged lung hyperinflation (COPD, likely)

Funnel Shaped Chest

result of pectus excavatum, a congenital condition where the breastbone and ribs grow inward

Distended Abdomen

swollen or enlarged abdomen

Scaphoid Abdomen

abnormally sunken or concave appearance of the abdomen

striae abdomen

stretch marks; linear streaks of thinned and weakened skin

linea nigra

dark, vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy; can persist after pregnancy

colostomy

bag that catches fecal matter from the large intestine; has to be attached via surgery

decubitus ulcers

technical term for bedsore

pedal edema

swelling in the feet and ankles caused by an accumulation of fluid in the tissues

nasogastric tube

thin, flexible tube inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach

endotracheal tube

flexible tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth to keep airway open

surgical drain

thin, flexible tube inserted into a surgical wound to remove excess fluid, blood, or debris