Hanging, Strangulation, Smothering :D

Linear abrasions

Caused by the sliding movement of a narrow object on the skin, leading to superficial epidermis denudation, commonly seen in fingernail abrasions from strangulation

Asphyxia

Interference with respiration due to a lack of oxygen or failure to eliminate CO2, leading to death from hypoxia/anoxia

Suffocation

Mechanical obstruction of respiratory orifices or inadequate oxygen in the environment

Smothering

Mechanical obstruction of the mouth and nose by hands, soft or hard materials, or mobile solids

Choking

Occlusion of airways by a foreign body, causing respiratory blockage

Strangulation

External compression of the neck using the body's own weight or another force

Mechanical asphyxia

Impaired breathing due to body being in an unusual position or compression of the body

Drowning

Asphyxia due to partial or complete submersion of the body in a liquid, leading to liquid inhalation

Respiratory impairment in asphyxia

Obstruction of the airway or impairment of respiration, leading to a progressive drop in oxygen levels

Vascular impairment in asphyxia

Compression of neck muscles reducing arterial blood flow, with jugular vein compression leading to stasis

Nervous system impairment in asphyxia

Compression or stimulation of reflex areas in the neck, potentially causing immediate death

Carotid sinus compression

A hypothetical cause of sudden death due to its impact on blood pressure and heart rhythm

Vagus nerve stimulation

Can cause cardiac arrest by affecting internal organ functions such as heart rate and respiration

Ligature marks

Marks made by cord-like objects used in strangulation

Petechiae

Pinpoint hemorrhages caused by acute venous pressure rise, commonly seen in face and eyes

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration due to reduced hemoglobin, commonly seen on the face from jugular vein obstruction

Hyoid damage

Fractures more common in manual strangulation than ligature strangulation, rarely occurs in hanging

Larynx damage

Common in manual strangulation but less frequent in hanging

Neck muscle damage

Hemorrhage due to compression, can be difficult to determine due to postmortem changes

Congestion and edema

Fluid buildup seen on the face, neck, and chest organs due to obstructed veins

Autopsy findings in smothering

Minimal findings, possible mucosal tears, nasal bleeding, facial abrasions, and fabric fibers from the object used

Choking in elderly

Typically caused by food, often due to reduced swallow reflex

Choking in children

Typically occurs during play, can be accidental or due to small objects

Cafe coronary syndrome

Sudden collapse of a healthy person due to food blockage without typical asphyxia symptoms

Carbon dioxide asphyxiation

Replaces oxygen in the atmosphere, leading to hypoxia

Carbon monoxide asphyxiation

Binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, causing cherry-red skin and lividity

Cyanide poisoning

Prevents cellular respiration by acting as an irreversible enzyme inhibitor, often from burned plastic

Hydrogen sulfide poisoning

Toxic exposure from occupational settings (sewer gas), inhibits aerobic metabolism

Nitrogen asphyxiation

Displaces oxygen in the air, commonly seen in scuba diving-related deaths

Hanging

Fatal neck compression by a ligature tightened by body weight

Complete hanging

The body is fully suspended in the air

Partial hanging

The body partially touches the ground

Typical hanging

Knot is at the nape of the neck, suspension point at the occipital area

Atypical hanging

Knot is positioned anywhere other than the nape

Near hanging

Subject survives, often with anoxic brain injury

Judicial hanging

Public execution for capital crimes

Hanging autopsy findings

Oblique, upward ligature marks, possible periligature injuries, facial congestion, petechiae, and hemorrhaging

Manual strangulation

Neck compression by hands, forearms, or limbs, independent of body weight

Choke hold

Pressure applied to the anterior neck, compressing the airway

Carotid restraint

Forearm pressure on the carotid arteries, blocking blood flow to the brain and causing unconsciousness

Manual strangulation autopsy findings

Finger bruises, abrasions from fingernails, hyoid fractures, petechiae, and hemorrhaging in the neck

Ligature strangulation

Neck compression by a cord-like object, independent of body weight

Ligature strangulation findings

Horizontal ligature marks, possible fingernail marks, cyanosis, petechiae, and venous occlusion

Positional asphyxia

Immobilization in a position interfering with respiration, causing respiratory failure

Compression asphyxia

External pressure on the body preventing respiration, often due to heavy weight or crush injuries

Overlaying asphyxia

Sleeping adult moves onto an infant, causing compression asphyxia

Wedging asphyxia

Body is compressed between two surfaces, preventing breathing

Hogtie position

Hands and feet bound together behind the back, causing asphyxia

Mechanical asphyxia autopsy findings

Severe facial congestion, cyanosis, conjunctival hemorrhage, and petechiae