ANTH 2014 Lecture : UNIT 2 NOTES
Document Summary
Time since death: different causes of death but death occurs after irreversible cardia arrest , cardiorespiratory, collapse of blood pressure, supply of oxygenated blood to brain depletes. It happens faster if the person is exhausted/exertion. The glycogen (energy source) depletes it is first seen in small muscle groups. It"s practical use is to determine the time of death. Temperature dependant cold can delay: body warm <3hours, warm and stiff 3-8hours, cold and stiff 8-36 hours, cold and flaccid >36 hours. When a person dies, there"s no blood circulation. Due to gravity, plasma and rbc seek lowest levels in the vascular system. Pressure from clothing/strap or lying on a hard surface, these areas are pale; no trauma. Temperature, at scene- insert temp gauge into liver. Gross errors can occur especially in a hot, dry country. When ambient temperature exceeds 40 degress celsius, body could warm up. Mostly enzymatic processes, bacterial action, fungal attack and predation.
