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

Pertains to legal matters and incorporates the science.

Muscular rigidity which develops in a cadaver, usually from 4-10 hours after death and lasts about 24 hours.

A legal document signed by a physician or other designated authority, that identifies the deceased, as well as declares the cause date, time, and location of death.

The state of body decomposition.

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

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.

The fashion in which the cause of death came into being. These are normally classified as Natural, Accident, Homicide, Suicide, or Undetermined.

A condition caused by the inadequate intake of oxygen.

An appointed or elected position that formally requires no special medical or forensic skills.

Term used to describe the cooling of the body after death.

Extensive loss of blood due to internal or external hemorrhage.

The disease, process or injury responsible for initiating the train of events which produces the fatal end result.

Postmortem assessment that consists of a thorough examination of a body to determine the cause and manner of death.

Accumulation of gases under the skin, due to formation of gases by bacterial action and putrefaction of the internal tissues of the abdomen and the insides of the intestines.

How the disease or injury leads to death.