Rigor Mortis (latin: stiffness after death)
Post-mortem lividity (livor mortis), or hypostasis
Algor Mortis - the gradual decline in body temperature after death
Decomposition
Decomposition is the process whereby bodily tissues are broken down into smaller molecules after death. The physical and chemical properties observed during decay are categorized into five stages: (1) fresh, (2) putrefaction, (3) black putrefaction,(4) butyric fermentation, and (5) dry decay
Post-mortem lividity (livor mortis), or hypostasis
Lividity which does not match the position the body is found in is a good determinate of the body being moved post-mortem
Rigor Mortis (latin: stiffness after death)
Post-mortem lividity (livor mortis), or hypostasis
Algor Mortis - the gradual decline in body temperature after death
Decomposition
Decomposition is the process whereby bodily tissues are broken down into smaller molecules after death. The physical and chemical properties observed during decay are categorized into five stages: (1) fresh, (2) putrefaction, (3) black putrefaction,(4) butyric fermentation, and (5) dry decay
Rigor Mortis (latin: stiffness after death)
Post-mortem lividity (livor mortis), or hypostasis
Algor Mortis (latin: coldness of death)
Decomposition
Lividity and ‘negative impressions’
Person found dead with thigh resting on rotary telephone. “Negative” impression of the dial and extension cord in livid area.
Photo credit: Forensic Pathology of Trauma: Common Problems of the Pathologist. By Michael J. Shkrum, David A. Ramsay