Postmortem Changes and Injuries Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Postmortem Changes and Injuries flashcards as text
Which of the following is a perimortem fracture characteristic that distinguishes it from a postmortem fracture?
Answer: Perimortem fractures show smooth, greenstick-type fracture margins with plastic deformation, indicating living bone at time of injury
Perimortem bone fractures (around the time of death when bone was still moist and living) show plastic deformation and smooth edges; postmortem fractures in dry bone show sharp, brittle edges.
A ligature mark on the neck of a hanging victim is typically located where?
Answer: Above the larynx, angled upward toward the point of suspension
In hangings, the ligature mark typically ascends toward the point of suspension, creating an inverted V-shaped pattern, generally above the larynx.
The marbling appearance of decomposing skin is caused by:
Answer: Gas-filled bacteria spreading along blood vessel paths, creating a branching discoloration pattern
Marbling is caused by anaerobic bacteria producing gas as they spread along blood vessel networks, creating branching, tree-like discoloration patterns on the skin.
When assessing gunshot wounds, which characteristic helps distinguish an entrance wound from an exit wound?
Answer: Entrance wounds typically show an abrasion ring (marginal abrasion collar) from the bullet's rotation; exit wounds are generally larger with irregular, stellate margins
Entrance wounds typically have an abrasion collar from the spinning bullet; exit wounds are generally larger and more irregular as the expanding bullet pushes tissue outward.
Mummification as a postmortem change occurs when:
Answer: Dehydration is rapid due to dry, hot, or well-ventilated conditions, desiccating tissues before significant decomposition occurs
Mummification results from rapid desiccation in dry, warm, or well-ventilated environments, where moisture evaporates before significant bacterial decomposition can occur.
A decedent is found with burn injuries. Which finding at autopsy would indicate the burns were sustained before death rather than postmortem?
Answer: Vital reaction: blistering with inflammatory response, soot in the trachea and airways, and elevated carboxyhemoglobin in blood
Antemortem burns show vital reaction including tissue inflammation, fluid-filled blisters, soot in the airways (indicating inhalation while alive), and elevated carboxyhemoglobin.