11 Questions
What does 'rigor mortis' refer to in forensic pathology?
Stiffening of muscles after death due to the depletion of ATP
Can a relative of the deceased refuse an autopsy in case of possible murder?
Yes
When is the best period to perform post-mortem investigation?
1-3 days after the incident
Do suicides require any forensic investigation?
Yes
What is needed to make a proper diagnosis in forensic medicine?
What is a characteristic feature of rigor mortis?
Rigidity of the body
What tissues can be sampled for evidence of chronic substance abuse?
All of the above
What does livor mortis (post-mortem lividity) refer to in forensic pathology?
Settling of blood in the lower parts of the body after death due to gravity
What could prevent the correct estimation of blood loss at a crime scene?
A + C are correct
When can an aqueous humor sample be collected for toxicology?
Only when the body is 'fresh'
What term is used to describe the examination of physical injuries in forensic investigations?
Forensic Odontology
Study Notes
Forensic Pathology
- Rigor mortis refers to the stiffening of muscles after death due to the depletion of ATP.
Autopsy and Investigation
- A relative of the deceased cannot refuse an autopsy in case of possible murder.
- The best period to perform post-mortem investigation is 1-3 days after the incident.
- Suicides require forensic investigation.
Diagnosis in Forensic Medicine
- A proper diagnosis in forensic medicine requires autopsy, medical history, collaboration with law enforcement, witnesses, and available documents.
Body Cooling
- The body cools down at a rate of 1,5 degrees per hour after death.
- Body temperature post-mortem is measured in the rectum.
Specimens in Forensic Medicine
- Hair and finger nails are valuable specimens in forensic medicine.
Drug Use Diagnosis
- Toxicology testing is used to diagnose drug use post-mortem.
- Dental examination is not typically used to diagnose drug use post mortem.
Rigor Mortis and Livor Mortis
- Rigor mortis is characterized by rigidity of the body.
- Livor mortis (post-mortem lividity) is the settling of blood in the lower parts of the body due to gravity after death.
Post-Mortem Signs
- Late post-mortem signs include livor mortis, autolysis, rigor mortis, algor mortis, and putrefaction.
- Early post-mortem signs include rigor mortis, livor mortis, and algor mortis.
Medical Commission and Brain Death
- A medical commission requires two anesthesiologists, a resuscitator, and one doctor from specialties including pediatrician, neurologist, neurosurgeon, neonatologist to confirm brain death.
Forensic Toxicology
- Hair is a commonly analyzed biological sample to detect the presence of drugs or poisons in forensic toxicology.
- Aqueous humor sample can be collected for toxicology only when the body is “fresh”.
Forensic Investigations
- Forensic odontology is the examination of physical injuries to determine the nature and extent of trauma.
- Post-mortem marbling results from the accumulation of gases in the skin tissues, manifesting as a purple tennis racket-like pattern.
Test your knowledge of forensic pathology concepts with questions about rigor mortis, autopsies, and post-mortem investigations. Learn about important topics in the field of forensic science.
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