The document describes the stages of decomposition that occurs after death. It discusses 4 initial phases: 1) algor mortis where body temperature drops; 2) pallor mortis where skin tone lightens; 3) livor mortis where blood settles due to gravity; and 4) rigor mortis where muscles undergo contraction. Later stages include discoloration spreading, bloating as bacteria produce gas, tissues softening, and soft tissues liquefying over 4 weeks.

1. The Science of
Death

2. What happens to our body when
we die?
• When did our victim die?
• A way to find that out
would be to investigate
how long the body had
been at the scene.

3. What happens to our body when
we die?
• Decomposition takes place
after death.
• It is a process that occurs
naturally due to
environmental factors

4. 2 to 3 days after death….
• The first stage after deaths
occurs in 4 main phases:
1. Algor Mortis
Temperature drops to room
temperature due to the
absence of heat production
by the body.

5. • Use either slide 6 or 7

6. 2 to 3 days after death….
• The first stage after deaths
occurs in 4 main phases:
2. Pallor Mortis
Skin tone lightens as there is
no more blood circulation.

7. 2 to 3 days after death….
• The first stage after
deaths occurs in 4 main
phases:
2. Pallor Mortis
Skin tone lightens as
there is no more blood
circulation.

8. 2 to 3 days after death….
• The first stage after
deaths occurs in 4 main
phases:
3. Livor Mortis
Due to gravity, blood
settles at the lower
resting part of the body.
This gives a purplish blue
appearance at regions
where the body is resting
on.

9. 2 to 3 days after death….
• The first stage after
deaths occurs in 4 main
phases:
4. Rigor Mortis
The body is unable to
undergo aerobic
respiration to produce
energy. Muscles undergo
permanent contraction
(around 48-60 hours)
until they start to
breakdown

10. 3-4 days after death…
• Discoloration of skin
spreads through the
whole body.
• Discoloured veins
become visable

11. 5-6 days after death….
• Bacteria within the intestines start to respire
anerobically.
• This produce gases within the body, causing
the body to bloat.

12. 2 weeks after death….
• Abdomen is fully bloated as internal gas
pressure reaches maximum capacity

13. 3 weeks….
• Tissues soften due to
decomposers acting on
the body
• Organs and cavities
rupture.
• Nails fall off

14. 4 week after death….
• Soft tissues begin to liquefy and face becomes
unrecognizable.