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(S1/Y1) CHE103 - Introduction To Forensics > Pathology > Flashcards

Flashcards in Pathology Deck (13)
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1
Q

Define the terms ‘Exhumation’ and ‘Embalming’

A

EXHUMATION - digging and removing a buried body when questions about cause/manner of death rise

EMBALMING - process of chemically treating a dead body to reduce the presence and growth of micro-organisms

2
Q

What are the 4 stages of decomposition?

A
  1. Fresh
  2. Bloated - gaseous
  3. Decay - wet, mushy or liquid
  4. Dry
3
Q

What are the 2 types of body decomposition?

A

AUTOLYSIS - disintegration of the body by enzymes released by dying cells

PUTREFACTION - disintegration of the body by the action of micro-organisms (ie. bacteria)

4
Q

What are the 2 types of thermal trauma?

A

HYPOTHERMIA - exposure to extreme cold resulting in death

HYPERTHERMIA - exposure to extreme heat resulting in death

5
Q

Define the term ‘Chemical trauma’

A

Damage and death resulting from the interaction of chemicals with the human body

6
Q

What are the 5 types of mechanical trauma?

A

SHARP FORCE - injuries cause by sharp objects that require less force, creating incised wounds with more depth than length or width

BLUNT FORCE - injuries cause by dull objects producing lacerations or tears

EXANGUINATION - death resulting in a fatal loss of blood

CONTUSION - accumulation of blood in the tissue out of the normal blood vessel (hematoma = extreme contusion)

ASPHYXIA - body is deprived of oxygen via suffocation/strangulation/chemical asphyxiation (CO poisoning)

7
Q

Define the term ‘Mechanical trauma’

A

When force applied to a tissue exceeds mechanical or tensile strength of that tissue (ie. sharp or blunt force trauma)

8
Q

Define the term ‘Cause of death’

A

Refers to the official determination of conditions/diseases resulting in a persons death

9
Q

Define the term ‘Manner of death’

A

The way in which the cause of death came to be = homicide/suicide/accidental/natural

10
Q

Define the terms ‘Rigor Mortis’, ‘Livor mortis’ and ‘Algor mortis’

A

RIGOR - stiffening of the body post death due to membranes of muscle cells becoming more permeable to calcium ions causing rigidity

LIVOR - settling of blood due to gravity after the heart stops pumping = purplish/blue discolouration

ALGOR - cooling of the body after death influenced by environmental temperature and protection of the body

11
Q

Define and identify the causes of Petechiae

A

Pinpoint haemorrhages around the eyes, mouth and throat

- brought about by strangulation or asphyxiation

12
Q

Define the terms ‘ligatures’ and ‘smears’

A

LIGATURES - electrical cords, ropes or duct tape used to bind a victim

SMEARS - collected fluid wiped across a microscope slide examining for the presence of spermatozoa

13
Q

Describe how the Post-mortem Interval is calculated

A
  • changes in the body upon external examination
    1. Algor Morris = degrees of cooling per hour
    2. Blood settling in inner eye
      - eye open = thin film immediately and clouds over in 2-3hrs
      - eye closed = delayed thin film and clouds after 24hrs
    3. Stomach content = known rate of digestion