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Questions and Answers
What is the process called where tissues break down into simpler substances due to enzyme activity in an oxygen-deficient environment?
What is the process called where tissues break down into simpler substances due to enzyme activity in an oxygen-deficient environment?
Fermentation
What term describes the moistening and softening of tissues that are exposed to a liquid medium?
What term describes the moistening and softening of tissues that are exposed to a liquid medium?
Maceration
Autolysis primarily refers to cell death caused by external factors, like trauma or poisoning.
Autolysis primarily refers to cell death caused by external factors, like trauma or poisoning.
False
What is the process of transformation of adipose tissue into adipocere, often referred to as 'grave wax' ?
What is the process of transformation of adipose tissue into adipocere, often referred to as 'grave wax' ?
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What factors affect the rate of decomposition, among others?
What factors affect the rate of decomposition, among others?
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Which chemical is known to be effective in killing bacteria responsible for decomposition?
Which chemical is known to be effective in killing bacteria responsible for decomposition?
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What is the process of separating the dermis from the epidermis, which can be caused by burns, rashes, or frostbite?
What is the process of separating the dermis from the epidermis, which can be caused by burns, rashes, or frostbite?
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Which of these is NOT a typical sign of decomposition?
Which of these is NOT a typical sign of decomposition?
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The rate at which decomposition occurs is always uniform across different individuals and circumstances.
The rate at which decomposition occurs is always uniform across different individuals and circumstances.
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What is the general term for the process of breaking down tissues after death?
What is the general term for the process of breaking down tissues after death?
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Give an example of a condition or disease that can accelerate the rate of putrefaction.
Give an example of a condition or disease that can accelerate the rate of putrefaction.
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Mummification requires a humid and warm environment for the process to occur.
Mummification requires a humid and warm environment for the process to occur.
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What is the order of decomposition for the major body compounds, starting with the fastest decomposing to the slowest?
What is the order of decomposition for the major body compounds, starting with the fastest decomposing to the slowest?
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What are two commonly occurring gases released during putrefaction?
What are two commonly occurring gases released during putrefaction?
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Study Notes
Decomposition Overview
- Tissues break down in various ways
- No single method is dominant
- Decomposition occurs cell by cell
Stages of Decomposition
- Day 1: (Image of pig carcass)
- Day 7: (Image of pig carcass)
- Day 9: (Image of pig carcass)
- Day 10: (Image of pig carcass)
Autolysis
- Self-digestion of cells by lysosome enzymes released internally
- This process occurs now in the body, but cells are constantly replacing them.
- Following death, autolysis continues
Fermentation
- Enzymatic reduction (anaerobic) of body carbohydrates into simpler substances
Decay
- Decomposition of proteins in an aerobic environment
- Proteins oxidize into stable compounds with no foul odor or color change
Putrefaction
- Last normal post mortem change
- Anaerobic reduction of proteins creating foul-smelling gases and color change
Maceration
- Moistening and softening of tissue in a liquid medium, e.g., a fetus dying in utero and remaining in the womb
Imbibition
- Tissues absorb moisture
- Related to tertiary edema (caused by blood sludging)
Wildlife
- Animals and insects contribute to the breaking down process by chewing and digesting tissues
Saponification
- Transformation of adipose tissue into adipocere (grave wax)
- Rare; seen in disinterments
- Cold and isolated bodies are most likely to show adipocere formation
Mummification
- Complete dehydration of the body
- Becomes resistant to decomposition
- Final state of dehydration and desiccation
Order of Decomposition
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins (e.g., muscle)
- Fat
- Firm proteins (e.g., connective tissue)
- Bones (often years later)
Signs of Decomposition: Color
- Hemolysis begins with light pink, progressing to red
- Color darkens as oxygen in hemoglobin metabolizes
- Becomes reddish brown as blood pigment decomposes
Signs of Decomposition: Color (continued)
- Putrefactive green spreads over the body, starting in abdominal quadrants
- Dark lines (marbling) indicate blood decomposition in superficial blood vessels
Signs of Decomposition: Odor
- Gases formed during putrefaction are released
- Gases include hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen phosphate, and ammonia
Evacuation of Hollow Organs
- Due to gas pressure, contents are expelled
- Most likely through the mouth and nose, though any orifice can be involved
Desquamation (Skin Slip)
- Separation of the dermis from the epidermis
- Causes include burns, rashes, caustic chemicals, edema, blisters, frostbite, x-rays, IV bruises, Poison Ivy, Tissue Gas, subdermal hemorrhages, advanced decomposition
Causes of Epidermis Separation From Dermis
- Accumulation of liquids and/or gas
- Autolysis
- Too dilute arterial solution
- Insufficient blood drainage
Desquamation Treatment
- Peel away epidermis
- Complete arterial injection
- Apply searing agents to affected areas
- Allow air to dry overnight
- Smooth and dry the area if waxing is required or apply a diaper
Additional Desquamation Info
- Not always a postmortem change
- Can occur over pre-gangrenous or pre-cancerous tissues due to nutrition fault and cellular necrosis
- Area of impending skin slip feels moist and clammy
Intrinsic Factors Affecting Decomposition: Age
- Slow decomposition: stillborns (no intestinal tract MO), and elderly people (more dehydration)
- Faster decomposition: intermediate ages
Intrinsic Factors Affecting Decomposition: Sex
- Higher moisture content in females leads to faster decomposition
Intrinsic Factors Affecting Decomposition: Obesity
- Heat retention by fat
- Slightly higher moisture content in adipose tissue
Cause and Manner of Death
- Acute infections (septic or inflammatory) accelerate putrefaction
- Emaciating diseases retard putrefaction due to lower moisture
Decomposition Factor: State of Hydration
- Higher moisture content speeds up the decomposition process
Decomposition Factor: Autolysis
- Individual decomposition rates vary based on genetics and lifestyle
Extrinsic Decomposition Factor: Temperature
- 37°C (98.6°F): Optimal for microbial activity
- 0.5°C–10°C (37°F–50°F): Slows putrefaction
- 0°C (32°F) or lower: Inhibits putrefaction
- Above 49°C (120°F): Halts bacterial growth and metabolism
Extrinsic Decomposition Factor: Humidity
- Warm and humid conditions accelerate decomposition
Extrinsic Decomposition Factor: Access to Air
- Airflow promotes microbial and insect activity
Extrinsic Decomposition Factor: Bacteria
- Putrefaction varies based on microbial number/type present at death and during post-mortem period
- HCHO (Formaldehyde) kills bacteria
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Description
Explore the various stages and processes of decomposition in biological tissues. This quiz covers autolysis, fermentation, decay, putrefaction, and maceration, detailing how organisms break down after death. Test your understanding of these essential biological concepts.
