Forensics

Livor mortis

The first step of mortis known as the discoloration of death. Bluish-purple discoloration of the skin is caused by the blood pooling.

Algor mortis

The second step of mortis known as coldness of death. It cools at 1-1.5 per hour.

Pallor mortis

The third step of death known as the paleness of death. Occurs 15-25 minutes after death. This affects skin tone before the other stages.

Rigor mortis

The last step of mortis known as stiffness of death. The temporary stiffening of a body’s muscles after death.

Adenosine Triphosphate.

Rigor mortis occurs because of the lack of this ingredient. It is needed for muscles to relax—without it, actin and myosin may form permanent bonds.

Autolysis

The stage where self-digestion begins.

0-4 hours

Stiffening of smaller muscles.

4-12 hours

Stiffening of larger muscles

12-24 hours

The peak in rigidity

24-48 hours

Stiffness leaves the body as secondary flaccidity sets in and breaks down muscle proteins.

Putrefaction

The bloating of the body. Bacterial breakdown occurs and the body emits odor.

Active Decay

The stage in the body where there is rapid mass loss due to insect activity and tissue liquefaction.

Skeletonization

The last stage. The body is skeleton.

40-45

What percentage of human blood is red blood cells?

>1

What percentage of human blood is white blood cells?

55

What percentage of human blood is plasma?

Exsanguination

The severe, often fatal loss of blood.

Adermatoglyphia

No fingerprints.

10-15 years

The length it takes a body to decompose in a wood coffin.

50+ years

The time it takes a body to decompose in a metal coffin.

3 weeks to several months

The time it takes a body to skeletonize outside.