Rigor Mortis

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered part of the field of forensic pathology?

  • Suicidal deaths
  • Homicidal deaths
  • Accidental deaths
  • Deaths due to natural causes (correct)

What is the main finding that forensic pathologists are particularly interested in?

  • Suicidal deaths
  • Accidental deaths
  • Tissue damage (correct)
  • Homicidal deaths

Which of the following is NOT a circumstance under which deaths are seen as unnatural?

  • Deaths due to natural causes (correct)
  • Accidents
  • Suicide
  • Homicide

Which of the following is a factor that can influence the period of development of rigor mortis?

<p>Environmental temperature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does rigor mortis typically reach its maximum peak?

<p>12 - 36 hours after death (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of studying the posture of a deceased body in relation to rigor mortis?

<p>To determine if there was movement of the body (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about manipulating rigor mortis?

<p>Rigor mortis can be manipulated by force (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is NOT related to rigor mortis (RM)?

<p>Hypostasis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the pugilistic posture in charred bodies?

<p>Muscle coagulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is more intense in rigidity/stiffness than rigor mortis (RM)?

<p>Cadaveric spasm (CS) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstances does cadaveric spasm (CS) occur?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category of death that a forensic pathologist may investigate?

<p>Deaths resulting from natural causes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a forensic pathologist at the scene of death?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the post mortem changes that a forensic pathologist studies to determine the time of death?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a forensic pathologist do if an obvious weapon is found at the scene of death?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a post mortem change used to determine the time of death within the first 48 hours?

<p>Hypostasis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of placing paper bags over the hands of a deceased individual?

<p>To prevent contamination of trace materials between different bodies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the forensic pathologist to examine the position of bullet holes in clothing?

<p>To determine the distance and direction from which a person was shot (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of rigor mortis in the body after death?

<p>To cause the body to stiffen and lock limbs 'in place' (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes hypostasis?

<p>The purplish-red discoloration of the most dependent parts of the body after the heart stops beating (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of the purplish-red discoloration in hypostasis?

<p>The haemoglobin in the blood is not carrying oxygen anymore (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does hypostasis reach its maximum peak after death?

<p>8 - 12 hours (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the blanching test in determining fixed hypostasis?

<p>To determine if the hypostasis is fixed or not (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Forensic Pathology Focus

The study of the cause and manner of death.

Natural Death

Deaths caused by disease or natural body processes.

Unnatural Death

Deaths caused by external factors like trauma, poisoning, or homicide.

Rigor Mortis

Stiffening of muscles after death.

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Temperature's Influence on Rigor Mortis

Temperature affects the speed of rigor mortis.

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Peak Rigor Mortis

Rigor mortis typically peaks around 12-18 hours after death.

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Body Posture Significance

Analyzing the posture of a body helps forensic scientists determine if the body was moved after death.

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Cadaveric Spasm (CS)

Instantaneous rigidity occurring at the moment of death.

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Hypostasis (Livor Mortis)

Purplish-red discoloration of the skin due to blood pooling.

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Cause of Hypostasis Color

Deoxygenated hemoglobin accumulation causes the discoloration observed in hypostasis.

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Peak Hypostasis

Hypostasis typically reaches its peak around 8-12 hours post-mortem.

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Blanching Test Use

Test used to determine if hypostasis is fixed, indicating how long a body has been in a certain position.

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Death Scene Role (Pathologist)

Observe and document the body and surroundings to determine cause and manner of death. Also, the forensic pathologist do not touch or move any weapons.

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Paper Bags on Hands

Preserves potential evidence, such as skin cells or trace materials, under fingernails.

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Bullet Hole Position

Determine the trajectory of the projectile.

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Post-Mortem Interval

Study of post-mortem changes to estimate time of death.

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Study Notes

Forensic Pathology

  • Forensic pathology does not involve the study of mental health, environmental, or occupational health.
  • The main finding that forensic pathologists are particularly interested in is the cause and manner of death.

Death Classification

  • Natural deaths are those caused by disease or natural processes, whereas unnatural deaths are those caused by external factors such as trauma, poisoning, or homicide.

Rigor Mortis (RM)

  • Temperature is a factor that can influence the period of development of rigor mortis.
  • Rigor mortis typically reaches its maximum peak around 12-18 hours after death.
  • Studying the posture of a deceased body in relation to rigor mortis helps determine if the body was moved after death.
  • Rigor mortis can be manipulated by moving the body, but this may not always be detectable.
  • Cadaveric spasm is a phenomenon that is not related to rigor mortis.
  • Heat stroke can cause a stiffness/rigidity more intense than rigor mortis.

Post-Mortem Changes

  • Cadaveric spasm (CS) occurs at the moment of death and is characterized by instantaneous rigidity.
  • A forensic pathologist studies post-mortem changes such as rigor mortis, livor mortis (hypostasis), and algor mortis to determine the time of death.
  • If an obvious weapon is found at the scene of death, a forensic pathologist should not touch or move it.

Hypostasis (Livor Mortis)

  • Hypostasis is the purplish-red discoloration of the skin due to gravity-dependent blood pooling.
  • The cause of the purplish-red discoloration in hypostasis is the accumulation of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
  • Hypostasis reaches its maximum peak around 8-12 hours after death.
  • The blanching test is used to determine fixed hypostasis, which helps determine the length of time the body has been in a certain position.

Death Scene Investigation

  • The role of a forensic pathologist at the scene of death is to observe and document the body and surroundings to aid in determining the cause and manner of death.
  • Placing paper bags over the hands of a deceased individual helps preserve evidence, such as skin cells or other trace materials, under the fingernails.
  • Examining the position of bullet holes in clothing helps determine the trajectory of the projectile.

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