Death and the Human Body

Which of the following best describes the definition of death?

• When the brain stops functioning normally

• when the heart stops beating

• the definition is debated among professionals; there is no agreed upon definition

• when the kidneys stop working

This occurs 2-4 hours after death, where the blood pools due to gravity. The area affected is a bluish-red color.

• rigor mortis

• algor mortis

• livor mortis

The cooling of body temperature after death is:

• algor mortis
• livor mortis
• rigor mortis
• pallor mortis

The process that causes the muscles in the body to stiffen resulting in rigidity after death is called

• algor mortis

• rigor mortis

• livor mortis

Maximum rigor mortis occurs

• between 2-4 hours

• 2-6 hours after death

• 12 hours after death

• 48 hours after death

Rigor mortis starts at the feet and moves up the body.

• True

• False

A body is found with a blue-purple coloring across the back and the back of the legs. What does this indicate?

• the victim laid on their stomach for several hours after death

• the victim laid on their back for several hours after death

• the victim was exercising prior to death

• the victim died in a cold environment

A body is found sitting upright in a chair, however the front of the body (chest, stomach, and thighs) are colored blue-purple. What does this indicate?

• the victim died sitting in the chair

• the victim died laying on their back

• the victim was moved after death

• the victim died from unusual circumstances

The victim’s body is not rigid and is warm. How long has she been dead?

• 0-2 hours

• 2-6 hours

• 15-36 hours

• 36-48 hours

Estimate the approximate time of death for the following situation:

A body was found with no evidence of rigor.

• 2 - 6 Hours
• 8 Hours
• Less than 2 Hours
• Less than 12 Hours