Death Cause, Mechanism and Manner — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: _____ rule describes the sequential onset of rigor mortis in the various muscle groups.

Answer: Nysten's

Flashcard 2: Mechanism of cadaveric _____ is reduction of ATP

Answer: rigidity (spasm/rigidity)

Flashcard 3: Presence of blisters with thin, clear fluid is indicative of _____mortem burns.

Answer: post::post/ante

Flashcard 4: _____ is the scientific study of death among human beings in all aspects.

Answer: Thanatology

Flashcard 5: Time since death can be calculated using the formula: _____

Answer: (98.4 - Rectal temperature) / 1.5

Extra: This is known as Glaister's formula. It estimates the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) in hours. (Note: Temperature is in Fahrenheit; 1.5 is the average rate of cooling per hour).

Flashcard 6: The order of appearance of rigor mortis (Nysten's Law) is: _____

Answer: Eyelids → Jaw → Neck → Trunk → Upper limbs → Lower limbs

Extra: Rigor mortis follows Nysten's Law, typically appearing in a cranio-caudal (downward) direction. It also disappears in the same order it appeared. Sequence: Eyelids → Jaw → Neck → Trunk → Upper limbs → Lower limbs. Note: The heart is the first muscle to develop rigor mortis (within 1 hour).

Flashcard 7: _____ appears on the sclera 3-4 hours after death

Answer: Tache noire

Extra: Tache noire occurs due to the drying (desiccation) of the exposed part of the sclera when the eyelids are open after death. It is characterized by brownish-black triangular spots on either side of the cornea.

Flashcard 8: Two reliable indicators suggesting that the victim was alive while the fire was in progress:1. Elevated levels of _____ in the circulating blood.2. Carbon particles in the air passages and lungs

Answer: carbon monoxide

Flashcard 9: _____ formation cannot occur if the IUFD is under 7 months

Answer: Adipocere

Flashcard 10: Postmortem marbling starts in _____ hours and becomes prominent in 36-48 hours.

Answer: 24