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Stages of Decomposition

Process of corpse decomposition: Fresh stage, Bloat stage, Active decay, Advanced decay, Dry/Skeletal stage and factors influencing decomposition

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81 views

Stages of Decomposition

Process of corpse decomposition: Fresh stage, Bloat stage, Active decay, Advanced decay, Dry/Skeletal stage and factors influencing decomposition

Uploaded by

agawin25ac
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The process of corpse decomposition is complex and occurs in several stages, driven by a

combination of biological, chemical, and environmental factors. Here’s an overview of the key
stages:

1. Fresh Stage (0-3 days post-mortem)


Autolysis: This is the process of self-digestion. Cells break down due to the action of their
own enzymes. This begins almost immediately after death.
Initial Signs: The body starts cooling (algor mortis), muscles stiffen (rigor mortis), and blood
settles in lower parts of the body (livor mortis).

2. Bloat Stage (4-10 days post-mortem)


-Putrefaction: This is the breakdown of tissues by bacteria, leading to the production of
gases which cause the body to bloat.
- Bacterial Activity: Anaerobic bacteria from the gut spread through the body, breaking down
tissues and releasing gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia.
-Odor: The gases produced cause a strong, foul odor.
-Discoloration: The body changes color, often appearing greenish due to the breakdown of
hemoglobin in the blood.

3. Active Decay (10-20 days post-mortem)


- Liquefaction: Tissues break down into liquid form, and the body mass starts to decrease.
- Insect Activity: Maggots and other insects consume much of the soft tissue. This activity
peaks during this stage.
- Further Odor: The decomposition odor remains strong as gases and fluids are released.

4. Advanced Decay (20-50 days post-mortem)


-Tissue Decomposition: Most of the body's soft tissues have been broken down, consumed by
insects, or have liquefied.
- Skeletonization: Bones become more exposed as tissues decompose.

5. Dry/Skeletal Stage (50+ days post-mortem)


- Mummification: In some cases, if conditions are dry, tissues may desiccate and become
mummified rather than fully decompose.
- Skeletonization Completion: The remaining soft tissues decompose or are removed by
scavengers, leaving primarily bones and cartilage.

Factors Influencing Decomposition


- Temperature: Higher temperatures accelerate decomposition, while lower temperatures slow it
down.
- Environment: Bodies decompose faster in environments that are moist or have high microbial
activity. Soil composition, burial depth, and presence of water can also impact the rate.
- Presence of Insects: Insect activity significantly speeds up the decomposition process.
- Body Composition: The amount of body fat, the health of the individual, and the cause of death can
affect decomposition.

Understanding these stages helps forensic scientists determine the post-mortem interval (PMI) and
provides crucial information for investigations.
DECOMPOSITION OF CORPSE

Temperature Exposure/Concealment

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