Forensics: Death, Decomposition, and Entomology

Front

What is livor mortis?

Back

Livor mortis is the postmortem hypostasis or pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body, resulting in a blue-purple discoloration of the skin.

Front

What factors affect rigor mortis?

Back

Factors that affect rigor mortis include temperature, activity before death, and body weight.

Front

What does blue-purple coloring on the back of a body indicate?

Back

It indicates that the victim died laying on their back.

Front

How many hours after death does rigor mortis peak?

Back

Rigor mortis peaks approximately 12 hours after death.

Front

Which body part is affected first by rigor mortis?

Back

The face is affected first by rigor mortis.

Front

What is algor mortis?

Back

Algor mortis is the cooling of the body after death, which occurs as the body temperature drops to match the surrounding environment.

Front

What is pallor mortis?

Back

Pallor mortis is the paleness of the body that occurs immediately after death due to the cessation of blood circulation.

Front

What role does temperature play in postmortem changes?

Back

Temperature affects the rate of rigor mortis and algor mortis, with warmer temperatures accelerating these processes.

Front

What is the significance of insect activity in forensic entomology?

Back

Insect activity can provide crucial information about the time of death and the conditions surrounding the body.

Front

What is the process of decomposition?

Back

Decomposition is the breakdown of organic matter after death, involving autolysis and putrefaction.