Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary cause of the pallor of the optic disc in post-mortem changes of the eyes?
What is the primary cause of the pallor of the optic disc in post-mortem changes of the eyes?
What is the normal range of intra-ocular pressure?
What is the normal range of intra-ocular pressure?
What is thename of the brownish black discoloration that occurs on the sclera when the eyes remain open for a few hours?
What is thename of the brownish black discoloration that occurs on the sclera when the eyes remain open for a few hours?
What is the relaxed neutral position of the papillary muscle in post-mortem changes of the eyes?
What is the relaxed neutral position of the papillary muscle in post-mortem changes of the eyes?
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What is the reason why wounds will not gape on the skin after death?
What is the reason why wounds will not gape on the skin after death?
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What is the primary reason for the body to lose heat after death?
What is the primary reason for the body to lose heat after death?
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Which of the following factors affects the rate of cooling in a dead body?
Which of the following factors affects the rate of cooling in a dead body?
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What is the significance of post-mortem caloricity in estimating the time of death?
What is the significance of post-mortem caloricity in estimating the time of death?
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What is the rate of cooling in a dead body, on average?
What is the rate of cooling in a dead body, on average?
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Why do infants cool more rapidly than adults?
Why do infants cool more rapidly than adults?
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Study Notes
Post-Mortem Changes
- Post-mortem changes occur in the body after death due to cessation of vital functions.
- Classification of post-mortem changes:
- Immediate changes
- Early changes
- Late changes
Immediate Changes
- Insensibility
- Respiratory arrest
- Circulatory arrest
Early Changes
- Eye changes:
- Loss of corneal and light reflexes immediately after death
- Pallor of the optic disc
- Segmentation of retinal vessels ("trucking") within 15 minutes of death
- Skin changes:
- Skin becomes pale due to stoppage of circulation and drainage of blood from capillaries and small vessels
- Skin loses its elasticity
Post-Mortem Cooling (Algor Mortis)
- Definition: Gradual decrease in body temperature due to stoppage of heat production while heat loss continues
- Mechanism:
- Heat production stops due to stoppage of oxidative processes and metabolism
- Heat loss continues through conduction, convection, and radiation
- Cooling continues until body temperature equals that of the surroundings
- Factors affecting the rate of cooling:
- Age: Infants cool more rapidly due to large surface area/body mass ratio and scanty subcutaneous fat
- Female and obese individuals: Cool much slower due to more subcutaneous fat acting as heat insulator
- Surrounding environment: Bodies in well-ventilated rooms cool faster than in closed rooms; bodies in water cool 2 times faster than bodies in air
- Cause of death: Rate of cooling is rapid in severe hemorrhage and wasting disease, while slow in post-mortem caloricity
Post-Mortem Caloricity (Heating)
- Definition: Conditions in which the body heat increases 2-3°C then cools as usual
- Occurs with:
- Sunstroke and pontine hemorrhage (heat regulation is profoundly disturbed before death)
- Strychnine poisoning and tetanus (great increase in heat production by muscle contractions)
- Acute bacterial or viral infection (pneumonia, typhoid, or encephalitis)
- Intense asphyxial conditions (extensive muscle contractions)
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Description
This quiz covers the different changes that occur in the body after death, including immediate, early, and late changes. Topics include insensibility, respiratory arrest, circulatory arrest, and changes to the eyes, skin, and muscles.
