Postmortem Changes
Postmortem changes refer to various processes that occur in a body after death producing a variety of effects. These changes can be divided into early and late time periods, the latter represented by decomposition, however the entire process represents a continuum. While the sequence of events can be predicted, many variables can influence the rate and extent of these alterations to the body, and so it is simply not possible to reliably estimate an accurate time of death (“postmortem interval”) based on these changes alone.
Early Postmortem Changes
Livor Mortis
Livor mortis, lividity or dependent hypostasis refers to settling of blood to the dependent parts (those closest to the ground) of the body following death. This occurs when the circulation stops and the blood settles in vessels under the effect of gravity and can be seen as pink or purple congestion of the skin. It will not occur if there is pressure on a vessel, for example if the body is lying on a hard...
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Prahlow, J.A., Byard, R.W. (2012). Postmortem Changes and Time of Death. In: Prahlow, J.A., Byard, R.W. (eds) Atlas of Forensic Pathology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-058-4_8
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