ANT-3305 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Putrefaction, Gastrointestinal Tract, Livor Mortis
Document Summary
Post-mortem interval - the amount of time that has elapsed since the death of the decedent. The body goes through three stages upon death: algor mortis, this is the cooling of the body temp. A body typically cools 1. 5 degrees/hour until ambient temp is reached: livor mortis, settling of blood. 20mins, and maximum lividity is reached after about 6-8-12 hours: rigor mortis, muscle stiffness. Starts in the face and neck, then works its way down the body. Sets in 3-4 hours after death and ends 48-60ish hours. Decomposition process (5 stages: fresh, immediately after death, before any decomposition sets in, early decomposition, autolysis- body starts to digest itself from the inside out. Gastrointestinal tract decomposes last because it is used to the enzymes. Takes place within an hour: putrefaction- microbiota not part of the body eat away at the body. Forensic anthropology after 24 hours if they are disposed of in water.
