Asphyxial Deaths

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to asphyxial deaths, their mechanisms, classifications, and autopsy findings.

Asphyxia

A condition resulting from a lack of oxygen, which can lead to hypoxia or anoxia.

Hypoxia

A deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues.

Anoxia

A total lack of oxygen in the tissues.

Suffocation

Death caused by a reduction in environmental oxygen.

Mechanical Asphyxia

Death caused by physical obstruction of the airways.

Toxic Asphyxia

Death due to harmful chemicals that interfere with oxygen transport.

Petechial Hemorrhages

Small hemorrhages that can occur in the skin and mucous membranes, often seen in asphyxia.

Traumatic Asphyxia

Asphyxia caused by crushing or compressing the chest.

Strangulation

Asphyxia caused by constriction of the neck due to a ligature.

Throttling

Manual strangulation where pressure is applied to the neck.

Ligature Strangulation

Constriction of the neck using a ligament that does not allow for neck weight to contribute.

Hanging

Asphyxia occurring when a ligature is placed around the neck and tightened by body weight.

Drowning

Death caused by submersion in water that interferes with breathing.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

A form of asphyxia caused by inhaling carbon monoxide which binds to hemoglobin.

Carboxyhemoglobin

A complex of carbon monoxide and hemoglobin that decreases oxygen transport.

Cadaveric Spasm

A phenomenon where a person’s hand tightly grips objects at the time of immersion.

Maceration

Skin softening and peeling seen in bodies retrieved from water, known as 'washer woman’s skin.'