Page 102 - Veritas Vol 3, Issue 2

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Livor mortis: This stage is also called as hypostasis. It is recognised by the
pooling of blood in the body due to gravity and also lack of blood circulation

due to failure in cardiac activity. It results in purplish-red discoloration in

skin.This stage begins around 30 minutes to 4 hours after death
Rigor mortis: This stage is characterised by muscle stiffening caused by the

binding together of fibres of muscles.Typically seen first in the small muscles of
Jaw and face.After death the ATP molecules, which is responsible for muscle

relaxation are exhausted ,the muscles remain contracted until they start to
decompose.This stage peaks around 12 hours after death

Certain terminologies in Postmortem Stages

Term Description

Autolysis is also known as self digestion.

It is the complete destruction of cells
Autolysis through their own enzyme action.
Autolysis occurs most rapidly in
pancreas and stomach

It is the deterioration of tissue caused by

the Microbial or Bacterial invasion.
Putrefaction results in the discoloration
of body[ Shades of green, purple and
brown].Bacteria increase throughout the
Putrefaction circulatory system by the process called

intravascular hemolysis and results in
darkening of vessels. Gases released
during putrefaction causes bloating in

abdomen area.

VERITAS VOLUME: 3, ISSUE: 2 WRITER: SAJAN SAHADEVAN