Exam 5: Death Investigation

Beginning an hour after death, the body will lose heat at an approximate rate of:

The stiffening of muscles after death is known as ________ mortis.

Carbon monoxide levels continue to rise in the body even after death.

The range of ________ involves the distance between the gun and the victim and can help in distinguishing between homicide and suicide.

Disease and environmental abuse fall under the ________ category of manner of death.

The concentration of sodium in the eye fluids can help determine time of death.

Livor mortis occurs when blood settles in parts of the body closest to the ground.

The onset of livor mortis begins immediately after death.

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)The redistribution of drugs in the blood after death B)A postmortem process in which the body attempts to equalize with the environmental temperature C)Self-digestion by the cell's own enzymes D)The formation of a waxy substance during decomposition E)A variety of conditions that interfere with the intake of oxygen F)When skin begins to blister and peel G)The fluid within the eye H)A postmortem chemical change that causes the muscles to become rigid I)Decomposition carried out by microorganisms J)The process of the blood settling to parts of the body nearest the ground once the heart stops pumping -Slippage

A body decomposing on a summer day will typically show increased progression of rigor mortis.

The forensic pathologist is also aided by the skills of specialists including forensic anthropologists, forensic entomologists, and forensic odontologists.

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)The redistribution of drugs in the blood after death B)A postmortem process in which the body attempts to equalize with the environmental temperature C)Self-digestion by the cell's own enzymes D)The formation of a waxy substance during decomposition E)A variety of conditions that interfere with the intake of oxygen F)When skin begins to blister and peel G)The fluid within the eye H)A postmortem chemical change that causes the muscles to become rigid I)Decomposition carried out by microorganisms J)The process of the blood settling to parts of the body nearest the ground once the heart stops pumping -Asphyxia

The known sequence of arrival of different insect groups cannot help to determine the postmortem interval.

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)The redistribution of drugs in the blood after death B)A postmortem process in which the body attempts to equalize with the environmental temperature C)Self-digestion by the cell's own enzymes D)The formation of a waxy substance during decomposition E)A variety of conditions that interfere with the intake of oxygen F)When skin begins to blister and peel G)The fluid within the eye H)A postmortem chemical change that causes the muscles to become rigid I)Decomposition carried out by microorganisms J)The process of the blood settling to parts of the body nearest the ground once the heart stops pumping -Putrefaction

Hanging cases will typically display:

The death of an individual suffering from chronic alcoholism is ruled:

Types of autopsies include all of the following EXCEPT:

The external examination involves classifying the injuries and examining the organs.

Explain the importance of the forensic pathologist or medical examiner making proper classifications of a victim's wounds during the autopsy.

If a cause of death cannot be found through simple observation of the victim, a(n)________ is typically carried out.