Questions and Answers
Which technique is NOT typically used during the internal examination of a body during an autopsy?
What is the primary purpose of establishing the identity of human remains?
Which characteristic is NOT mentioned as useful for the identification of deceased individuals?
In the context of post-mortem chemistry, which sample is considered the most reliable for alcohol level analysis after death?
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Which identification method typically results in a presumptive rather than a positive identification?
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What are the primary mechanisms involved in coma leading to death?
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Which of the following best describes the mode of death in asphyxia?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical autopsy finding in a case of asphyxia?
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What specific cardiac finding is commonly associated with coma during an autopsy?
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Which of the following can lead to syncope as part of its clinical features?
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Study Notes
Stages of Asphyxia and Coma
- Face and hands exhibit deep congestion and cyanosis lasting 1-2 minutes.
- Stage of exhaustion and respiratory failure lasts 2-3 minutes, characterized by paralysis of respiratory and nervous centers, flaccid muscles, lost reflexes, gasping breath, imperceptible pulse, and eventual heart stoppage, indicating death by asphyxia.
- Autopsy findings include cyanosis, postmortem hypostasis, petechial hemorrhages (Tardieu’s spots), visceral congestion, and cardiac dilatation, with specific signs based on the asphyxia cause (e.g., ligature marks in hanging).
Causes and Autopsy Findings of Coma
- Coma results from sudden brain functioning cessation, combining syncope and asphyxia.
- Causes include brain compression from diseases/injuries and acute poisonings (e.g., opium, barbiturates).
- Autopsy may reveal congested brain and meninges, full right heart side, and congested lungs.
Post-mortem Chemistry
- Many chemicals are distorted postmortem due to autolysis.
- Serum/creatinine stable for up to 100 hours, while vitreous humor is the most reliable sample for analysis.
- Alcohol levels should be analyzed in vitreous humor after 72 hours post-death.
Importance of Establishing Identity of Human Remains
- Essential for determining the deceased individual for ethical, statistical, and legal reasons.
- Important for burial/cremation records and legal/financial claims.
- Facilitates investigations in cases of suspicious deaths.
Methods of Identification
- Identification can rely on visual recognition (intact corpses) or osteological examination (decomposed or skeletal remains).
- Positive methods include fingerprints, dental records, X-rays, and DNA fingerprinting.
- Presumptive methods include analysis by forensic specialists, circumstantial evidence, and physical features (tattoos, scars).
Characteristics Useful in Identification
- Factors include facial appearance, eye color, skin pigmentation, hair color/structure, tattoos, unique prints, scars, and overall body stature.
- DNA characteristics are vital for medico-legal applications, including paternity testing.
Approach to Medico-legal Autopsy
- Steps include obtaining authorization, verifying identification, and examining crime scenes.
- A thorough history and verification of injuries are crucial.
- Preservation of relevant tissues and evidence collection are necessary.
Content of the Autopsy Report
- Report includes a preamble with authority, time, date, place, identification details, and examination results.
- Body of the report details external/internal examination findings, injuries, and conclusions.
Early Post-mortem Changes
- Tache noire (eye condition) and rigor mortis appear shortly after death.
- Livor mortis can indicate positioning of the body.
Eye Changes After Death
- Loss of corneal reflex and corneal haziness are observable.
- Eye ball flaccidity occurs due to intraocular tension drop.
- Retina changes indicate early signs of death, with potential “trucking” of blood in vessels.
Skin Changes After Death
- Skin elasticity loss leads to wound gaping; changes include pallor and browning of lips due to dehydration.
- Algor mortis describes the cooling of the body post-death, with variable cooling rates influenced by external factors.
Cooling of the Body (Algor Mortis)
- Cooling occurs at different rates for surface versus internal body.
- Temperature measurement methods include rectal, liver, and vaginal measurements.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the stages of asphyxia and related autopsy findings in forensic medicine. This quiz covers key concepts of respiratory failure and the characteristics observed in cases of asphyxia. Enhance your understanding of the signs and symptoms crucial for forensic analysis.
