FINAL 1st QUIZ

What are the two primary processes that begin to alter the body after death?

Putrefaction and autolysis.

What is putrefaction?

The process of decaying or rotting in a body due to the action of bacteria.

What is autolysis?

The self-digestion of cells through the action of their own enzymes.

What are some signs of putrefaction?

Green discoloration, gas production, bloating, skin slippage, and foul odor.

How did ancient Egyptians attempt to slow decomposition?

Through mummification, which involved organ removal, drying with natron, and wrapping in linen.

What was the purpose of mummification in ancient Egyptian culture?

To preserve the body for the afterlife, as they believed the ka (soul) needed a recognizable form.

What does PMI stand for in forensic pathology?

Postmortem Interval.

What is the significance of rigor mortis in estimating time since death?

It is used to estimate the time since death, first detectable within 1-4 hours in the face and 4-6 hours in limbs.

What are the three conditions that can simulate rigor mortis?

Heat stiffening, cold stiffening, and cadaveric spasm.

What is heat stiffening?

Hardening of muscles due to coagulation of muscle protein when exposed to intense heat.

What is cold stiffening?

Hardening of muscles due to solidification of fats and fluids in extremely cold temperatures.

What is cadaveric spasm?

Instant stiffening of certain muscles at the moment of death, often associated with violent death.

What are the stages of putrefaction in tropical countries?

1-2 days: disappearance of rigor mortis, greenish discoloration; 72 hours: bloating, maggots; 7 days: further bloating; 14 days: bursting of thorax; 1 month: complete skeletonization.

What is mummification?

A condition where fluid is removed before decomposition, resulting in preservation of the body.

What is natural mummification?

Mummification that occurs in dry, hot, sandy soil with considerable air movement.

What is artificial mummification or embalming?

The addition of chemicals like formalin or arsenic to preserve the body.

What is adipocere formation?

The formation of a soft, waxy substance from the hydrolysis and dehydrogenation of body fats.

What are the classifications of causes of death?

Natural, accident, suicide, homicide, undetermined, and pending.

What is natural death?

Death due to a disease or ailment in the body.

What is sudden unexplained nocturnal death (SUNND)?

A type of sudden death that is unexpected, often referred to as 'Bangungot'.

What is violent death or accidental death?

Death due to injuries inflicted by outside forces.

What are the classifications of physical injuries?

1. Physical force; 2. Thermal injuries; 3. Electrical injury; 4. Change in atmospheric pressure; 5. Chemical injury; 6. Radioactive injury.

What is the role of forensic pathologists in understanding postmortem changes?

To accurately estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) and provide a time frame for death.

What is marbling in the context of postmortem changes?

A purplish-brown network seen beneath the skin due to putrefactive changes.

What happens to hair and nails during the putrefaction process?

They loosen from their attachments as decomposition progresses.

What is the typical timeframe for a body to become completely skeletonized?

Approximately 1 month (30 days) under typical conditions.