23 Questions
Which of the following is NOT considered part of the field of forensic pathology?
Deaths due to natural causes
What is the main finding that forensic pathologists are particularly interested in?
Tissue damage
Which of the following is NOT a circumstance under which deaths are seen as unnatural?
Deaths due to natural causes
Which of the following is a factor that can influence the period of development of rigor mortis?
Environmental temperature
When does rigor mortis typically reach its maximum peak?
12 - 36 hours after death
What is the significance of studying the posture of a deceased body in relation to rigor mortis?
To determine if there was movement of the body
Which of the following is true about manipulating rigor mortis?
Rigor mortis can be manipulated by force
Which phenomenon is NOT related to rigor mortis (RM)?
Hypostasis
What causes the pugilistic posture in charred bodies?
Muscle coagulation
Which phenomenon is more intense in rigidity/stiffness than rigor mortis (RM)?
Cadaveric spasm (CS)
Under which circumstances does cadaveric spasm (CS) occur?
All of the above
Which of the following is NOT a category of death that a forensic pathologist may investigate?
Deaths resulting from natural causes
What is the role of a forensic pathologist at the scene of death?
All of the above
What are some of the post mortem changes that a forensic pathologist studies to determine the time of death?
All of the above
What should a forensic pathologist do if an obvious weapon is found at the scene of death?
All of the above
Which of the following is a post mortem change used to determine the time of death within the first 48 hours?
Hypostasis
What is the purpose of placing paper bags over the hands of a deceased individual?
To prevent contamination of trace materials between different bodies
Why is it important for the forensic pathologist to examine the position of bullet holes in clothing?
To determine the distance and direction from which a person was shot
What is the purpose of rigor mortis in the body after death?
To cause the body to stiffen and lock limbs 'in place'
Which of the following best describes hypostasis?
The purplish-red discoloration of the most dependent parts of the body after the heart stops beating
What is the cause of the purplish-red discoloration in hypostasis?
The haemoglobin in the blood is not carrying oxygen anymore
When does hypostasis reach its maximum peak after death?
8 - 12 hours
What is the purpose of the blanching test in determining fixed hypostasis?
To determine if the hypostasis is fixed or not
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.
Test your knowledge on rigor mortis with this quiz! Explore the concept of rigor mortis through two photographs, one depicting a homeless person on a park bench and another in a mortuary. Understand the characteristics of rigor mortis and its effects on the body. Take the quiz to assess your understanding of this fascinating phenomenon.
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