Exam 1: Postmortem Changes Flashcards

1
Q

Self-digestion or degradation of cells and tissues by the hydrolytic enzymes normally present in tissues

A

Autolysis

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2
Q

Process by which PM bacteria break down tissues

A

putrefaction

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3
Q

T/F. those tissues with greater conc. of proteolytic enzymes will autolyze slower

A

F. Quicker

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4
Q

The Rate of decomposition depends on what 3 things?

A
  1. Cause of Death
  2. Environmental and body temp.
  3. Microbial Flora
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5
Q

The presence of _____ is the most likely to be microscopically obscured by decomp.:

a. cell injury (necrosis)
b. Foreign material
c. Infectious agents
d. Inflammation
e. Neoplasia

A

a. cell injury

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6
Q

Contraction of the muscles after death

A

rigor mortis

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7
Q

When does rigor mortis begin and how long does it last?

A

begins: 1-6 hrs
lasts: 1-2 days

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8
Q

T/F. High heat and high activity before death accelerate the onset of rigor mortis

A

T

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9
Q

What causes rigor mortis?

A

depletion of ATP and inability of myosin to detach from actin binding site

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10
Q

When gravity pulls blood post death

A

Livor mortis

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11
Q

What is another name for livor mortis?

A

Hypostatic congestion

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12
Q

When and where does post-mortem blood clotting occur after death?

A

several hours post death in the heart and vessels

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13
Q

Describe what an antemortem clot looks like?

A
  1. attached to vessel wall
  2. dry and dull
  3. lamellated (layers)
  4. friable (will break)
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14
Q

Describe what a Postmortem clot looks like

A
  1. Unattached
  2. shiny and wet
  3. Elastic
  4. Perfect cast of vessel lumen
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15
Q

What is another term for antemortem blood clot?

A

thrombus

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16
Q

Red Staining of tissue, especially the intima of heart, arteries, and veins

A

Hemoglobin imbibition

17
Q

What is the pathogenesis of hemoglobin imbibition?

A

Hb is released by lysed RBCs, penetrate the vessel wall and extends into the adj. tissues

18
Q

Bile in the gallbladder starts to penetrate the wall and stains the adj. tissues

A

bile imbibition

19
Q

Results from postmortem bacterial gas formation in the lumen of the GI tract

A

Bloat

20
Q

Who bloats faster, herbivores or carnivors?

A

herbivores

21
Q

What are 3 changes associated with bloat?

A
  1. rectal/vaginal prolapse
  2. froth in trachea
  3. ruptured viscera
22
Q

What are 2 common PM eye changes?

A
  1. corneal opacity

2. cold cataracts

23
Q

refers to greenish-black discoloration of tissues post mortem

A

Pseudomelanosis

24
Q

What is the pathogenesis of pseudomelanosis?

A

decomp. of blood by bacterial action forming hydrogen sulfide with iron, commonly seen in tissues in contact with the gut.