Forensics Intro #2 Flashcards by Alana Lindberg

Sulphaemoglobin is the greenish …

compound that Haemoglobin gets metabolized into.

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Identify the timeframe for when Hypostasis might occur.

Happens 20-120 min after death

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Identify the timeframe for when Hypostasis might become “fixed” on a dead body.

After 10-12 hrs, the discoloration may become fixed

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State whether or not using Hypostasis and fixing is widely accepted.

Still not conclusive or consistent does not form universally

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Define Oedema (edema)

Fluid accumulation & formation of blisters on surface of skin due to blood plasma

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Sulphahemaglobin is not normally found in blood, but ?

May form from certain drugs like sulphonmides

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Sulfa drugs

Antibiotics

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If a body is moved and left , ?

A new area of hypostasis may form

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2 or more distant patterns indicate movement of the body post Mortem

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Blood plasma def

Is the liquid component of blood

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Define Pressure, or Contact, Pallor.

Pressure reduces hypostasis

Area looks paler than surrounding areas

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Why do certain areas look paler than surrounding areas?

Pressure compresses blood vessels, preventing blood form collecting

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What is a bruise

Caused by leaking of blood from damaged blood vessels into surrounding tissue & formation of clots

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What is hypostasis

Collecting of blood into dependent, dilated blood vessels

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What makes differentiation difficult

As PMI increases, vessels may leak and it makes differentiation difficult

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Define Rigor Mortis.

The stiffening of muscles

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Describe what may happen after death due to muscle relaxation.

Urination, defacation, regurgitation may occur

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Identify the time it takes for Rigor Mortis to begin, and the time it takes for the whole body to undergo Rigor Mortis.

Begins 3-4 hrs after death

Whole body is rigid by about 12 hrs

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Define Bloat.

The discoloration and swelling of the body

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After death, muscles become

Flaccid and joints relax

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Identify the time a body is dead before Bloat appears.

Occurs 2-6 days PMI

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What is the second stage of decomposition

Bloat

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How does rigor mortis happen

1) Ca2+ ions leak out of Sacoplasmic reticulum of muscle(time ER of muscles)
2) Ca2+ interacts with action & myasin(muscle contractile proteins) causing them to contract
3) ATP is needed to stop concentration, but body is no longer making ATP
4) Proteins degrade after around 36 hrs

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What are factors that affect rigor mortis

Study These Flashcards

Environmental Temp

high temp=faster onset & shorter duration
- low temp=slower onset or stopped if cold enough

Rigor mortis can last how long if it is cold enough

16-28 days

How long does rigor mortis usually last

36 hrs

Children develop rigor mortis

Sooner

Asphytiation & carbon monoxide poisioning delays

Rigor mortis

Bloat is caused by

1) bacteria - intestines breaking down cells 2) Clostrida & Enterobacteria - invade other body areas & break them down 3) Autolysis begins - release of enzymes from the lysosomes that digests the cell 4) Stomach & paneras have digestive enzymes and breaks down more quickly

Identify the main cause of Bloat and which specific bacteria are the main causes.

Bacteria in intestines breaking down cells - Clostrida & Enterobacteria ~ they invade other body areas and break them down

Define Autolysis.

Release of enzymes from the lysosomes that digest the cell

List the four main effects of Bloat on human remains.

1) release of green substance & gases - causes discoloration & swelling of the body - starts above the caecum in the lower right abdomen 2) tongue may protrude 3) fluid from lungs may leak out mouth & nose 4) production of sulfur containing gases - smells like rotten eggs

Locate where on human remains Bloat is most likely to begin.

Beginning of large intestine

What is the third stage of decomposition

Putrefaction

Describe what is meant by Putrefaction.

Adumed decay | - soft tissue (organs) decays

Describe the color and consistency of Adipocere.

Whitish, grayish, or yellowish | Paste-like to crumby in consistency

List two other terms for Adipocere.

Grave wax or corpse wax

Define Adipocere.

Fatty substance found on external surface of remains

Explain why Adipocere may inhibit further decomposition.

Lowers pH of surroundings, reduces microbial activity

Identify environmental conditions needed for mummification to occur.

Occurs when remains are exposed to dry conditions in extreme hot or cold - strong air currents encourage mummification

State the longevity of mummies if protected.

100 yrs if protected

What is the 4th stage of decomposition

Putrid Dry Remains

State which body parts have decomposed at this stage.

Skin & soft tissue(organs) are removed

The body may what during putrid dry remains stage

Still has strong smell

State which body parts remain; be specific.

Skeleton & hard tissue - hair, fingernails, tendons, ligaments Uterus & prostate gland may last several months if sealed well

Define Diagenesis.

Decay process of bones

Explain the process of Diagenesis.

Starts soon after death - microbes enter bone via natural pores & start to alter the chemistry & structure of bones - creates tunnels in the bone

Identify which bones are more quickly affects and which are less quickly affected.

Bones near abdominal cavity show greatest change

Is diagenesis agood way to measure PMI

Explain what 2 distinct patterns of discoloration might indicate about a dead body.

It indicates movement of the body post Mortem

Explain what might occur if a body has been moved after hypostasis has been fixed.

A new area of hypostasis may form

When might sulphaemoglobin be present in a live body?

May be present when you take certain drugs like sulphonmides

List 3 examples of how Pressure Pallor may form.

Belts Bra strap Rope around neck

Bruises & hypostasis in Site

Bruise: in any part of the body Hypostasis: in the dependent parts

Bruises & hypostasis in Skin

Bruise: associated with abrasions Hypostasis: intact

Bruises & hypostasis in Edge

Bruise: have well marked edges associated with swelling Hypostasis: no swelling & no well marked edges

Bruises & hypostasis in Color

Bruise: color changes may be present( signs of healing) color doesn't disappear by pressure Hypostasis: no color changes, color disappear with applying pressure

Bruises & hypostasis in Cutting

Bruise: blood is extra vascular & clotted. It is not washable Hypostasis: blood is fluid & washable

State why organs like the pancreas and stomach break down more quickly than other types of organs.

The stomach and pancerus have digestive enzymes

Forensics Intro #2 Flashcards

(59 cards)