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The post-mortem interval ( PMI) is the time that has elapsed since an individual's death. [1] When the time of death is not known, the interval may be estimated, and so an approximate time of death established. Postmortem interval estimations can range from hours, to days or even years depending on the type of evidence present. [2]
These changes can generally be divided between early post-mortem changes and late post-mortem changes (also known as decomposition). These changes occur along a continuum and can be helpful in determining the post-mortem interval, which is the time between death and examination. The stages that follow shortly after death are:
An autopsy (also referred to as post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death; or the exam may be performed to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present for research or educational purposes.
v. t. e. Depiction of a body after suicide hanging. Livor mortis is fixed in the legs and distal upper extremities because these were the dependent parts. Livor mortis ( Latin: līvor – "bluish color, bruise", mortis – "of death"), postmortem lividity (Latin: postmortem – "after death", lividity – "black and blue"), hypostasis ( Greek ...
t. e. Timeline of postmortem changes, with algor mortis represented by red temperature line. Algor mortis (from Latin algor 'coldness', and mortis 'of death'), the third stage of death, is the change in body temperature post mortem, until the ambient temperature is matched. This is generally a steady decline, although if the ambient temperature ...
Forensic mycology. Forensic mycology is the use of mycology in criminal investigations. [1] Mycology is used in estimating times of death or events by using known growth rates of fungi, in providing trace evidence, and in locating corpses. [1] It also includes tracking mold growth in buildings, the use of fungi in biological warfare, and the ...
Corpse decomposition. Decomposition is the process in which the organs and complex molecules of animal and human bodies break down into simple organic matter over time. In vertebrates, five stages of decomposition are typically recognized: fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay, and dry/skeletonized. [1]
Cadaveric spasm, also known as postmortem spasm, instantaneous rigor mortis, cataleptic rigidity, or instantaneous rigidity, is a rare form of muscular stiffening that occurs at the moment of death and persists into the period of rigor mortis. [1] Cadaveric spasm can be distinguished from rigor mortis as the former is a stronger stiffening of ...