w3 terms (Time of Death, Blood) Flashcards
Algor Mortis
The cooling of the body after death
Circumstantial evidence
Indirect evidence that tends to prove a fact by proving other events or circumstances which afford a basis for a reasonable inference of the occurrence of the fact at issue
Entomology
The scientific study of insects
Fluorescence
The emission of radiation, especially of visible light, by a substance during exposure to external radiation such as light or X-rays
Livor Mortis
Settling of the blood in the lower portion of the body, causing a discolouration of the skin
Mummification
To make a dead body into a mummy by embalming and/ or drying
Putrefaction
The anaerobic decomposition of organic matter by bacteria and fungi that results in obnoxiously odorous products
Radioactive decay
The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus into a lighter one, in which radiation is released
Rigor Mortis
Chemical changes in the muscles after death, causing the limbs of the corpse to become stiff
Antibodies
Immunoglobins produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen; recognizes and binds to “alien” substances in blood
Antigens
Proteins on the surface of red blood cells which induces an immune response; responsible for phenomenon of blood typing
Blood spatter analysis
Use of blood distribution to determine how crime was committed
Blood typing
The process of identifying an individual’s blood group by testing a sample of blood; determined by the antigens present on an individual’s red blood cells
Erythrocytes
Red blood cells containing hemoglobin; biconcave and without a nucleus
High velocity spatter
Blood spatter pattern caused by a very energetic event, e.g. gunshot
