LZHS PLTW: PBS - 1.2 Master the Morgue

Right Atrium

Receives deoxygenated blood from the body

Right Ventricle

Pumps blood to lungs via pulmonary artery.

Left Atrium

Receives oxygenated blood from pulmonary veins and pumps it into the left ventricle

Left Ventricle

Pumps oxygenated blood to the body; thickest chamber to pump blood throughout the entire body.

(Interventricular) Septum

Separates oxygenated & deoxygenated blood; separates right/left ventricles

Tricuspid valve

Atrio-ventricular Valve in between right atrium and right ventricle; 3 cusps

Bicuspid valve (mitral valve)

Atrio-ventricular Valve in between left atrium and left ventricle; 2 cusps

Chordae Tendinae

Attached to the valves to ensure one way blood flow; connect the flaps of the tricuspid/bicuspid valves to the papillary muscles

Pericardium

Surrounds the heart for protection; protective sac

Ventricles

Bottom pumping chambers of the heart: RV goes to the lungs; LV goes to the body

Pulmonary Semi-lunar Valve

Valve where the blood flows through after going through the right ventricle.

Apex

Rounded bottom portion of the heart

Arteries

Vessel that carries blood away from heart; oxygenated except for pulmonary artery going toward the lungs. Aorta is the largest leading out of the left ventricle to deliver oxygenated blood to the body.

Veins

Vessel that carries blood toward heart; deoxygenated except for pulmonary vein coming from the lungs. Vena Cava are the largest leading into the right atrium from the body.

Cause of Death

The specific injury, trauma, or disease that directly caused the victim's death. i.e. gunshot

Mechanism of Death

What happens physiologically (inside the body) to result in death. (i.e. cardiac issue, vessel problem, organ failure)

Manner of Death

one of four means by which someone dies (i.e., natural, accidental, suicidal, or homicidal)

Muscular System

Enables movement of the body and internal organs

Nervous System

The network of nerve cells & fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body. (Includes the CNS: brain & spinal cord & PNS: network of nerves extending from CNS)

Cardiovascular System

The transport system of the body responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body and carrying away carbon dioxide and other wastes. (Includes the heart, blood vessels: veins/arteries, and blood)

Autopsy

An examination of the body after death usually with such dissection as will expose the vital organs for determining the cause of death.

Integumentary System

Consists of the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails

Reproductive System

Reproduce offspring- produce male sex cells (sperm) and female sex cells (oocytes) (Includes testes and ovaries)

Endocrine System

The system that regulates processes such as growth, reproduction, and nutrient use (metabolism) by body cells. (Includes glands that secrete hormones)

Respiratory System

A system of organs, functioning in the process of gas exchange between the body and the environment. (Includes the nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs)

Immune System

A system that protects the body from foreign substances and pathogenic organisms by producing the immune response. (Includes the thymus, bone marrow, and lymph tissue)

Urinary (Excretory ) System

The system that removes waste from your body and controls water balance. (Includes kidneys and bladder)

Digestive System

Breaks down food into absorbable units that enter the blood for distribution to body cells. (Includes esophagus, stomach, small & large intestine)

Skeletal System

Protects and supports body organs and provides a framework the muscles use to support movement. (Includes bones)

Algor mortis

Post-mortem (after death) cooling of the body to the surrounding temperature.

Rigor mortis

stiffness of the body that sets in several hours after death

Livor mortis

The pooling of the blood in tissues after death resulting in a reddish color to the skin

Clouding of the Corneas

Within the first several hours after death, the corneas, which are usually the clear parts of the eyes, become milky or cloudy.

Decomposition

the state or process of rotting; decay.

Insect Activity

Insect activity can also provide clues about how long a person has been dead. The presence of eggs, larva, or full-grown bugs provide a timestamp for how long the body has been decaying.

Glaister Equation

98.4 - rectal temp. / 1.5 = apx hours since death

A formula used for determining the approximate time period since death based on body temperature

Forensic Toxicologist

performs scientific tests on bodily fluids and tissue samples to identify any drugs or chemicals present in the body

Forensic Chemist

A scientist who tests nonbiological samples, such as powders, pills, and other substances, to determine their identity, components, or concentration.

Toxicology

The study of poisons, including toxic drug effects, and applicable treatments.

Histology

the study of the microscopic structure of tissues

Nervous Tissue

A body tissue that sends and receives signals between the brain and every other part of the body.

Epithelial Tissue

A body tissue that covers the surfaces of the body, inside and out

Muscle Tissue

A body tissue that contracts or shortens, making body parts move.

Connective Tissue

A body tissue that provides support for the body and connects all of its parts

Levels of Organization in an organism

cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism

Concussion

injury to the brain caused by a blow

CTE

chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Tau proteins build up in brain

TBI

Traumatic Brain Injury- acquired brain injury by external force that result in impairments in function

Morgue

A place where dead human bodies are temporarily kept until identified and/or released for burial or autopsy.

Presumptive Test

test that presumes the presence of the questioned substance

Frontal Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, judgement, and regulates emotions and behavior

Temporal Lobe

An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex near the temples that is the primary receiving area for auditory information (hearing), processes language & helps with storing long term memories

Parietal Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex whose functions include processing information about touch.

Occipital Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that processes visual information

The four chambers of the Human Heart

right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle