Autopsy Vocabulary

Front

Strangulation

Back

Inordinate compression of the neck that leads to unconsciousness or death by causing an increased hypoxic state in the brain.

Front

Livor Mortis

Back

Process by which blood settles to the dependent portions of the body, causing a deep purple discoloration of the skin. Occurs within 2-4 hours and becomes 'fixed' within 8-12 hours.

Front

Mechanism of Death

Back

How the disease or injury leads to death.

Front

Marbling

Back

Hemolyzed blood within superficial veins turns a black color and appears as a weblike pattern of blood vessels in the face, chest, abdomen, and extremities.

Front

Putrefaction

Back

The state of body decomposition.

Front

Asphyxia

Back

A condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death.

Front

Exsanguination

Back

The loss of a significant amount of blood, leading to death.

Front

Rigor Mortis

Back

The stiffening of the muscles after death, typically occurring within 2-6 hours.

Front

Algor Mortis

Back

The cooling of the body after death, which occurs at a rate of approximately 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.

Front

Cause of Death

Back

The specific injury or disease that leads to death.