POSTMORTEM CHANGE Meaning and
Definition
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Postmortem change refers to the alterations that occur in a deceased body following death. These changes, also known as decomposition or decay, are a natural biological process where the body undergoes various physical and chemical transformations.
Various factors contribute to postmortem changes, including environmental conditions, body temperature, and the presence of predators or scavengers. The process begins shortly after death and typically progresses in a predictable sequence.
One of the initial signs of postmortem change is called livor mortis, where the blood settles in lower parts of the body causing discoloration or darkening of the skin. Rigor mortis, which follows livor mortis, refers to the stiffening of muscles due to the coagulation of proteins. Both of these changes occur within the first few hours after death.
Other postmortem changes include putrefaction, wherein bacterial activity causes the breakdown of organic matter resulting in the release of gases, leading to bloating and strong odors. Autolysis is another change that happens when cells break down due to the release of enzymes, causing the body to disintegrate further.
Postmortem changes provide valuable insights to forensic professionals in determining the time and cause of death. They aid in estimating the postmortem interval, identifying any injuries or trauma, and distinguishing between ante-mortem (prior to death) and postmortem phenomena.
Understanding postmortem changes is essential for forensic investigations, anthropology, and archaeology, assisting in reconstructing events surrounding a death and helping to establish a timeline of events.
Common Misspellings for POSTMORTEM CHANGE
- oostmortem change
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Etymology of POSTMORTEM CHANGE
The word "postmortem" comes from the Latin phrase "post mortem", which literally translates to "after death". It was later adopted by the English language as a term to describe events or examinations that take place after someone's death.
The word "change" has its origin in Middle English, derived from the Old French word "changier", which means "to exchange". It is also related to the Latin word "cambiare", meaning "to exchange, barter".
When used together in the phrase "postmortem change", it refers to the physical changes that occur in the body after death.
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