Death and Autopsy Practice Test

The discoloration of the body because of gravity causing the blood to pool is called

• Livor Mortis

• Algor Mortis

• Rigor Mortis

The cooling of the body until it reaches equilibrium with the surrounding temperature is called

• Livor Mortis

• Algor Mortis

• Rigor Mortis

The contraction of the muscles of the body due to calcium leaking into cells is called

• Livor Mortis

• Algor Mortis

• Rigor Mortis

Discoloration from livor mortis was found on the back side of the body of a woman. The body was found face down in the woods. What does this indicate?

• The body has been moved.

• Bacteria were breaking down only the back side of the body.

• Calcium leaked into the cells of her back.

How long does it take for the body to achieve maximum stiffness during rigor mortis?

• 3 hours

• 12 hours

• 3 days

In order to dissect a body, a "____" incision is made. 

• X
• Y
• Z
• I

Who performs the autopsy?

• coroner

• pathologist (medical examiner)

• Surgeon

• toxicologist

T or F - The organs are returned to the body after and autopsy.

• True

• False

The first step of an autopsy is an external examination.

• True
• False

The means by which someone dies (Ex: natural causes, homicide)

• death

• manner of death

• cause of death

• mechanism of death