In this lesson, we will be looking at ways in which our bodies decay after death. There will be pictures of deceased people.

Death is one of the most fundamental facts of life. It occurs in all organisms and is inevitable. There are 4 stages or changes that occur in the body after death. These are used as indicators to determine the cause, time, etc. especially in forensic pathology.

Definition: The body begins to cool down after death.

Timing + Use: This happens immediately and helps estimate time of death by body temperature.

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Algor Mortis

What things may impact the speed a body cools down?

Definition: The body becomes stiff as the muscles lock in place.

Timing + Use: Starts 2–6 hours after death and can show how long the person has been dead.

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Rigor Mortis

Definition: The body becomes pale due to lack of blood flow.

Timing + Use: Happens within 15–30 minutes after death and can help confirm that death was recent.

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Pallor Mortis

Definition: Blood pools in the lowest parts of the body, causing purple marks.

Timing: Usually sets in 20-30 minutes after death and becomes fixed at about 12 hours. After 12 hours, skin is no longer blanchable (white when pressure is applied).

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Livor Mortis

Livor Mortis

Used to determine body position at death and if body was moved
Different colours can mean different things and can sometimes help to determine cause of death, e.g. hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and cyanide intoxication. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces a cherry red stain instead of a usual dark purple.

Timeline of Death