Pathology
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Name the four jobs of a forensic pathologist
Identification, determining cause of death, determining time of death, conducting an autopsy
What is pathology?
The investigation of sudden or unexpected death or trauma to the living
What is the normal body temperature
98.6°F
What is the rate that a dead body cools over the first 12 hours?
1.4°F
What is liver mortis
Dark purple blue discoloration nearest to the ground on a dead body
When does lividity appear after death
After two hours
What is rigor mortis
The stiffening of the body
Where does rigor mortis begin
In the lower jaw/neck and spreads downward
How long does it take for the whole body to stiffen in rigor mortis
12 to 18 hours
When does stiffening disappear in rigor mortis
Within 36 hours of death
What does putrefaction mean
Decomposition
How long does it take for a light meal to empty from the stomach
Two hours
How long does it take for a medium meal to empty from the stomach
3 to 4 hours
How long does it take for a heavy meal to empty from the stomach
4 to 6 hours
What happens to the eyes after death
A thin film forms over them and they grow cloudy
When is an autopsy conducted
In cases of criminal violence, suicide, accidental deaths, death where no physician was president, sudden death, prison death, deaths that are suspicious
What does an external exam include
Photos, height and weight, x-rays, detailed description of bruises, gunshot wounds, stabs
What does an internal exam include
Dissection, description of internal state of body, Oregon testing, body fluid testing for drugs and poisons
What are the steps of a dissection
• Ribs • Heart and lungs and trachea • Abdomen • Fluids and tissue samples • Stomach contents • Blood and hair • Brain
What is the mechanism of death
The condition that produced death
What is the cause of death
The events that led up to the death
What is the manner/mode of death
The intent when the instrument was used and by whom
What are the four modes of death
Natural, accidental, homicidal, suicidal
Define laceration
The tearing of the skin