Forensic Death Investigation Flashcards
7 cards from real CSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Forensic Death Investigation flashcards as text
A body is found with ligature marks showing 'parchment-ization' of the skin. What does this indicate?
Answer: The ligature was applied ante-mortem and the victim survived briefly
Parchment-ization (drying and browning of the skin at a ligature mark) indicates the ligature was applied while the victim was alive and the wound began to dry before death was complete.
What is the significance of 'hesitation wounds' in a forensic death investigation?
Answer: They suggest a self-inflicted injury, often seen in suicides
Hesitation wounds are shallow, tentative incised wounds typically grouped near a more fatal wound, strongly suggesting self-infliction and often seen in suicide by sharp instrument.
During scene investigation, you observe 'petechial hemorrhaging' in the conjunctiva of the eyes. This finding is most consistent with which manner of death?
Answer: Compression asphyxia or manual strangulation
Conjunctival petechiae result from rupture of small capillaries due to increased venous pressure, which is characteristic of asphyxial deaths including strangulation and compression.
Which toxicological specimen is preferred for detecting drugs that may be redistributed post-mortem in central blood?
Answer: Femoral (peripheral) blood
Femoral (peripheral) blood is preferred over cardiac blood because drugs tend to redistribute from organs into the heart after death, artificially elevating central blood concentrations.
What does a 'stippling' pattern around a gunshot wound entry indicate?
Answer: The muzzle was 6-18 inches from the skin at time of discharge
Stippling (tattooing) is caused by unburned powder particles embedded in the skin when the muzzle is within intermediate range, generally 6 to 18 inches from the skin surface.
What is 'saponification' in the context of decomposed remains?
Answer: Conversion of body fat into a waxy, soap-like substance (adipocere)
Saponification (adipocere formation) occurs when body fat undergoes hydrolysis and hydrogenation in moist, anaerobic conditions, producing a white, waxy substance that can preserve body shape.
A decedent is found with cherry-red lividity. Which toxic substance is most likely responsible?
Answer: Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin forming carboxyhemoglobin, which imparts a bright cherry-red or pink color to the blood and skin, including lividity.