Unit 1.2

A place where the bodies of dead persons are kept temporarily pending identification or release for burial or autopsy.

A vessel that returns blood (typically deoxygenated with exception of pulmonary and umbilical) to the heart.

A postmortem evaluation to determine the cause of death.

Pooling of the body following death that causes a purplish red discoloration of the skin; also referred to as lividity.

Blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

The series of vessels that bring oxygenated blood from the heart to tissues and return deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart.

The study of the microscopic anatomy of tissues; also known as micro anatomy.

Cardiovascular disease characterized by the gradual buildup of plaque in artery walls.

Heart attack: a serious condition that occurs when blood and oxygen supply to the heart is reduced, causing part of the heart muscle to suddenly die.

The smallest unit of life

A heart condition that occurs when the aortic valve narrows, partially obstructing blood flow across the valve.

An integrated group of cells with a common function and/or structure

Part of the circulatory system in which deoxygenated blood moves from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs (through arteries) to become oxygenated and then returns to the left side of the heart (through veins).

The specific injury, trauma, or disease that directly caused the victim’s death.

A collection of tissues in an organism that preforms a specific function like the heart, brain, skin, and liver.

The stiffening of joints and muscles after death.

An abnormal hole present in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart, or atria; congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth.

A cardiovascular disorder that occurs when your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the body.

A group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions.

An upper chamber of the heart where blood enters. The heart has two atria: the left atrium connects to the lungs and the right atrium connects to the veins.

The change in body temperature after death.

A lower chamber of the heart where blood exits. The heart has two ventricles: the left ventricle connects to the aorta and the right ventricle connects to the main pulmonary artery (or pulmonary trunk)

The time of death recorded on the death certificate; is based on when the body was found or physically pronounced dead.

The time when the decedent’s vital functions actually ceased.