This document provides information on performing medicolegal autopsies. It discusses the different types of autopsies including clinical, medicolegal, and anatomical autopsies. For medicolegal autopsies, the key steps are the external examination to document any injuries or identifying marks, followed by the internal examination which involves dissecting the cranial, thoracic, and abdominal cavities to examine the organs. Specific procedures are described for examining cases involving poisoning, hanging, firearms injuries, drowning, burns, and more. The document also covers performing autopsies on fetuses and infants to determine the cause of death, whether the infant was born alive or stillborn, and the gestational age.
Post mortem changes occur after death and can be categorized as immediate, early, or late changes. Immediate changes include the stoppage of nervous system function, respiration, and circulation. Early changes consist of facial pallor, loss of skin elasticity, muscle relaxation, eye changes, body cooling, post mortem staining, and rigor mortis. Late changes involve putrefaction and decomposition. Post mortem staining results from blood settling due to gravity and can provide clues about the decedent's position and cause of death. Rigor mortis is muscle stiffening that begins 1-2 hours after death and usually dissipates after 24 hours. These post mortem processes are important for medico-legal death investigations.
This document discusses various aspects of autopsies including the different types of autopsies, the autopsy procedure, certification of cause of death, and common mistakes in forensic pathology. It provides details on medico-legal autopsies including their aims, objectives, categories of cases that require an autopsy, and the steps involved in notification, investigation of circumstances, examination of the body, and laboratory tests. Key points covered are definitions of different types of autopsies, requirements for consent, certification of cause of death, and potential classical mistakes made in forensic pathology.
This document discusses signs of death and the post-mortem changes that occur after death. It describes the probable signs of death like lack of breathing and the absolute signs like rigor mortis and livor mortis. It explains the stages of dying like preagony, terminal pause and agony. It also outlines the early signs of death that occur within 24 hours like livor mortis, rigor mortis, cooling of the body and autolysis. The late signs occurring after a day include putrefaction where the body turns green and gases form, as well as mummification in dry conditions.
Deals with the post-mortem examination (autopsy) particularly the internal examinations of the various organs based on Virchow's technique of organ removal.
Mummification is the process of dessication of the body in dry, warm conditions with good airflow. It occurs naturally in extremely dry environments that allow fast dehydration of tissues while inhibiting bacterial decomposition. This results in a body with dark, tightly adhered skin and a parchment-like appearance without smell after several weeks to months, depending on body size and conditions. Mummification can provide clues for medico-legal purposes like identification, time and cause of death, and detecting internal pathologies. It occurred naturally in ancient Egypt and can be artificially achieved.
Death and changes after death
This document discusses various topics related to death including:
1. Types of death such as somatic/clinical death and cellular/molecular death.
2. Diagnosis of death including criteria for brain death.
3. Differences between somatic and molecular death.
4. Modes, causes and manners of death. It also discusses topics like suspended animation and sudden death.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.pptBalinainejoseph
This is a part of forensic medicine that describes the indentification of the living and the dead
It explains both scientific and non scientific methods
Post mortem changes occur after death and can be categorized as immediate, early, or late changes. Immediate changes include the stoppage of nervous system function, respiration, and circulation. Early changes consist of facial pallor, loss of skin elasticity, muscle relaxation, eye changes, body cooling, post mortem staining, and rigor mortis. Late changes involve putrefaction and decomposition. Post mortem staining results from blood settling due to gravity and can provide clues about the decedent's position and cause of death. Rigor mortis is muscle stiffening that begins 1-2 hours after death and usually dissipates after 24 hours. These post mortem processes are important for medico-legal death investigations.
This document discusses various aspects of autopsies including the different types of autopsies, the autopsy procedure, certification of cause of death, and common mistakes in forensic pathology. It provides details on medico-legal autopsies including their aims, objectives, categories of cases that require an autopsy, and the steps involved in notification, investigation of circumstances, examination of the body, and laboratory tests. Key points covered are definitions of different types of autopsies, requirements for consent, certification of cause of death, and potential classical mistakes made in forensic pathology.
This document discusses signs of death and the post-mortem changes that occur after death. It describes the probable signs of death like lack of breathing and the absolute signs like rigor mortis and livor mortis. It explains the stages of dying like preagony, terminal pause and agony. It also outlines the early signs of death that occur within 24 hours like livor mortis, rigor mortis, cooling of the body and autolysis. The late signs occurring after a day include putrefaction where the body turns green and gases form, as well as mummification in dry conditions.
Deals with the post-mortem examination (autopsy) particularly the internal examinations of the various organs based on Virchow's technique of organ removal.
Mummification is the process of dessication of the body in dry, warm conditions with good airflow. It occurs naturally in extremely dry environments that allow fast dehydration of tissues while inhibiting bacterial decomposition. This results in a body with dark, tightly adhered skin and a parchment-like appearance without smell after several weeks to months, depending on body size and conditions. Mummification can provide clues for medico-legal purposes like identification, time and cause of death, and detecting internal pathologies. It occurred naturally in ancient Egypt and can be artificially achieved.
Death and changes after death
This document discusses various topics related to death including:
1. Types of death such as somatic/clinical death and cellular/molecular death.
2. Diagnosis of death including criteria for brain death.
3. Differences between somatic and molecular death.
4. Modes, causes and manners of death. It also discusses topics like suspended animation and sudden death.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.pptBalinainejoseph
This is a part of forensic medicine that describes the indentification of the living and the dead
It explains both scientific and non scientific methods
The document discusses various topics related to modes of death from a forensic nursing perspective. It defines death as the permanent and irreversible cessation of the nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. It describes three types of death: 1) somatic/systemic/clinical death which is the complete stoppage of vital functions, 2) cellular/molecular death which is death of individual tissues and cells, and 3) brain death which is the permanent cessation of brain function. It provides clinical criteria for determining cessation of the heart, breathing, and brain. It also discusses suspended animation, unexpected sudden death, and causes and medico-legal importance of different modes of death.
Thanatology
Types of transplants
Cause, Mechanism of Death
Manner of death
Anoxia
Signs of Death
Immediate Changes (Somatic Death)
Early Changes (Molecular Death)
Algor Mortis ......
Reference
The document discusses various topics related to death including types of death, causes of death, stages of dying, the dying process, and signs of impending death. It notes that death can be classified as clinical/systemic death or biological/molecular death. Causes of death include natural causes like aging or disease, as well as unnatural causes such as homicide, accidents, and suicide. The dying process occurs in stages that may involve denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance. Signs of impending death include loss of appetite, labored breathing, and mottling of the skin. A death certificate is an official document that records information about the deceased individual like their name, cause of death, and certifying official.
This document provides an overview of medicolegal aspects of death, including definitions of death, classifications of death, phases of death, manners of death, criteria for diagnosing death, and postmortem phenomena like changes that occur after death. It discusses topics like algor mortis, livor mortis, muscle changes including rigor mortis, decomposition processes like putrefaction and adipocere formation, and tests used to determine death. The document is presented by Pallavi Kumari as part of her studies in forensic science.
The document provides an overview of post-mortem examination or autopsy procedures. It discusses the objectives and types of autopsies, the process and key steps, including external and internal examination of the body and organs. The external examination involves identifying marks, injuries, and signs used to determine time of death. The internal examination involves examining organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and brain for any abnormalities. Tissue and fluid samples are collected for analysis to determine the cause and manner of death.
The document discusses guidelines for performing an external examination during an autopsy. It emphasizes that the external exam is important for establishing identity, determining cause and manner of death, and looking for natural diseases. An ideal external exam is thorough, documented carefully, and involves photography. Key steps include examining clothing and jewellery, measuring height and weight, documenting injuries or other physical findings, and assessing rigor mortis and livor mortis. Proper identification of the body and consent are also addressed.
This document discusses different types of injuries from a forensic science perspective. It defines medical and legal definitions of injuries. It then discusses classifications of injuries according to causative factors like abrasions, bruises, and lacerations. It describes features of abrasions and bruises, and how their appearance changes over time. It covers distinguishing ante-mortem and post-mortem abrasions. The medicolegal importance of patterned injuries in connecting victims to weapons or objects is also summarized.
The document discusses various topics related to death and the grieving process. It covers the scientific study of death, signs of approaching death, the legal determination of death, types of death like sudden death from emotional stress, and factors involved in the grieving stages like timeliness and intent. It also discusses children's understanding of death, types of bereavement experiences, common grief reactions and their timelines, challenges that can arise, and the goal of grief therapy.
Immediate changes after death include permanent cessation of brain and circulatory function as well as respiratory function. Early postmortem changes involve cooling of the body, lividity/hypostasis as blood settles in the body, and rigor mortis as the muscles stiffen. Late changes include decomposition of tissues over time. These postmortem changes can help determine time of death and other forensic details.
This document summarizes a seminar on post-mortem changes given by Dr. Nikhil Bansal. It discusses the definition of death and the different types of death, including somatic and cellular/molecular death. It outlines the signs of death that present immediately or at the molecular level. It provides a table describing the relationship between time since death and the condition of the body. It also summarizes the early signs of death, including rigor mortis and cadaveric spasm. Finally, it outlines the late signs of putrefaction, adipocere formation, and mummification.
This document provides information on identifying living and deceased individuals for legal purposes. It discusses general identity criteria like sex, age, stature and race. It then describes specific identity criteria that can be used to identify individuals, such as facial features, clothing, scars, tattoos, hair/eye color, fingerprints, dental records, blood groups, DNA and facial reconstruction. The document also outlines the legal process and procedures for exhuming bodies.
This document discusses various topics related to impotence, sterility, virginity, pregnancy, delivery, and legitimacy. It provides signs and symptoms for determining these conditions both in living and dead individuals. Some key points include:
1. Impotence refers to the inability to perform sexual acts or gratify a partner, while sterility is the inability to conceive or impregnate.
2. Signs of virginity include an intact hymen, narrow vagina, small breasts and genitals. Pregnancy can be determined through subjective symptoms like missed periods and objective findings like breast changes, skin pigmentation, and fetal movements.
3. Delivery is assessed by examining breasts, genitals, cerv
Determination of time since death/ postmortem time intervalATUL ABHISHEK
1. Several post-mortem changes can help estimate time since death, including algor mortis (body cooling), rigor mortis (muscle stiffening), livor mortis (post-mortem lividity), and decomposition.
2. Changes also occur in the skin, eyes, and internal organs after death. Pupil dilation occurs initially but contractions occur with rigor mortis. The vitreous potassium level rises and can indicate time since death.
3. Insect evidence, including the development of blowfly larvae, can help estimate minimum post-mortem interval based on temperature-dependent insect life cycles.
Hii, I have uploaded my class presentation
Death & its causes/ Thanatology is very interesting and important topic in Forensic Medicine, might be useful for other readers also
This document discusses cessation of life and determining death. It covers:
- Definitions of somatic death, molecular death, brain death, and brain stem death.
- Criteria for determining whole brain death which requires absent brain and brainstem function and apnea.
- Importance of determining the cause and time of death for organ transplantation. Different organs remain viable for varying lengths of time after circulation stops.
- Distinctions between brain death, persistent vegetative state, and brainstem injury and how each affects respiratory and cardiac function.
1. Livor mortis, also known as postmortem lividity or hypostasis, is the bluish-purple discoloration of the skin that occurs after death due to blood settling in the lowest parts of the body under the influence of gravity.
2. The location of livor mortis depends on the body's position after death, appearing in areas that are closest to the ground. It begins appearing within 2 hours and becomes fixed within 6-12 hours as the blood leaks into tissues.
3. The pattern and color of livor mortis can help determine the cause, time, and manner of death in forensic investigations by indicating factors like asphyxiation, poisoning, or changes
This document discusses death and its causes according to forensic medicine. It defines death and outlines the different types, including somatic/clinical death which is the complete and irreversible stoppage of circulation, respiration, and brain function. Brain death is described as a process involving cortical, brain stem, and whole brain death. The criteria for determining brain death and the proper diagnosis procedure involving medical experts is explained. Molecular death at the cellular level is discussed as well. Modes of death, manner of death, and mechanisms are outlined. Negative autopsies and obscure autopsies that do not reveal a definite cause are addressed. Sudden unexpected death within 24 hours is also summarized.
This document provides information about ante mortem and post mortem wounds. It begins with defining key terms like wounds, ante mortem, and post mortem. The document then discusses the significance of distinguishing between ante mortem and post mortem wounds for identification purposes, determining cause of death, and the type of weapon used. It outlines the key differences between ante mortem wounds, which occur before death and show bleeding and blood clotting, and post mortem wounds, which occur after death and show lividity and lack of clotting. References are provided for additional information.
All about Autopsy in forensic medicine .pptxPaul523674
The document discusses the process and objectives of a forensic autopsy. It begins by defining an autopsy as a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. It then describes the four main types of autopsies and explains that a forensic autopsy seeks to determine the cause and manner of death in cases of violent, suspicious or sudden deaths. The document outlines the steps of a typical forensic autopsy procedure, including external examination of the body, internal examination of the organs, and reconstruction of the body. It explains that the objectives are to determine identity, cause of death, manner of death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or unknown), and any evidence left by an assailant in homicide cases.
The document provides guidance on performing an external examination during an autopsy. It emphasizes that the external exam is important for establishing identity, determining cause and manner of death, and looking for natural disease. It describes examining the entire body, including identification marks, clothing, jewelry, height, weight, rigor mortis, livor mortis, drying, edema, cyanosis, and hands and feet. Proper documentation of all findings is stressed.
The document discusses various topics related to modes of death from a forensic nursing perspective. It defines death as the permanent and irreversible cessation of the nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. It describes three types of death: 1) somatic/systemic/clinical death which is the complete stoppage of vital functions, 2) cellular/molecular death which is death of individual tissues and cells, and 3) brain death which is the permanent cessation of brain function. It provides clinical criteria for determining cessation of the heart, breathing, and brain. It also discusses suspended animation, unexpected sudden death, and causes and medico-legal importance of different modes of death.
Thanatology
Types of transplants
Cause, Mechanism of Death
Manner of death
Anoxia
Signs of Death
Immediate Changes (Somatic Death)
Early Changes (Molecular Death)
Algor Mortis ......
Reference
The document discusses various topics related to death including types of death, causes of death, stages of dying, the dying process, and signs of impending death. It notes that death can be classified as clinical/systemic death or biological/molecular death. Causes of death include natural causes like aging or disease, as well as unnatural causes such as homicide, accidents, and suicide. The dying process occurs in stages that may involve denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance. Signs of impending death include loss of appetite, labored breathing, and mottling of the skin. A death certificate is an official document that records information about the deceased individual like their name, cause of death, and certifying official.
This document provides an overview of medicolegal aspects of death, including definitions of death, classifications of death, phases of death, manners of death, criteria for diagnosing death, and postmortem phenomena like changes that occur after death. It discusses topics like algor mortis, livor mortis, muscle changes including rigor mortis, decomposition processes like putrefaction and adipocere formation, and tests used to determine death. The document is presented by Pallavi Kumari as part of her studies in forensic science.
The document provides an overview of post-mortem examination or autopsy procedures. It discusses the objectives and types of autopsies, the process and key steps, including external and internal examination of the body and organs. The external examination involves identifying marks, injuries, and signs used to determine time of death. The internal examination involves examining organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and brain for any abnormalities. Tissue and fluid samples are collected for analysis to determine the cause and manner of death.
The document discusses guidelines for performing an external examination during an autopsy. It emphasizes that the external exam is important for establishing identity, determining cause and manner of death, and looking for natural diseases. An ideal external exam is thorough, documented carefully, and involves photography. Key steps include examining clothing and jewellery, measuring height and weight, documenting injuries or other physical findings, and assessing rigor mortis and livor mortis. Proper identification of the body and consent are also addressed.
This document discusses different types of injuries from a forensic science perspective. It defines medical and legal definitions of injuries. It then discusses classifications of injuries according to causative factors like abrasions, bruises, and lacerations. It describes features of abrasions and bruises, and how their appearance changes over time. It covers distinguishing ante-mortem and post-mortem abrasions. The medicolegal importance of patterned injuries in connecting victims to weapons or objects is also summarized.
The document discusses various topics related to death and the grieving process. It covers the scientific study of death, signs of approaching death, the legal determination of death, types of death like sudden death from emotional stress, and factors involved in the grieving stages like timeliness and intent. It also discusses children's understanding of death, types of bereavement experiences, common grief reactions and their timelines, challenges that can arise, and the goal of grief therapy.
Immediate changes after death include permanent cessation of brain and circulatory function as well as respiratory function. Early postmortem changes involve cooling of the body, lividity/hypostasis as blood settles in the body, and rigor mortis as the muscles stiffen. Late changes include decomposition of tissues over time. These postmortem changes can help determine time of death and other forensic details.
This document summarizes a seminar on post-mortem changes given by Dr. Nikhil Bansal. It discusses the definition of death and the different types of death, including somatic and cellular/molecular death. It outlines the signs of death that present immediately or at the molecular level. It provides a table describing the relationship between time since death and the condition of the body. It also summarizes the early signs of death, including rigor mortis and cadaveric spasm. Finally, it outlines the late signs of putrefaction, adipocere formation, and mummification.
This document provides information on identifying living and deceased individuals for legal purposes. It discusses general identity criteria like sex, age, stature and race. It then describes specific identity criteria that can be used to identify individuals, such as facial features, clothing, scars, tattoos, hair/eye color, fingerprints, dental records, blood groups, DNA and facial reconstruction. The document also outlines the legal process and procedures for exhuming bodies.
This document discusses various topics related to impotence, sterility, virginity, pregnancy, delivery, and legitimacy. It provides signs and symptoms for determining these conditions both in living and dead individuals. Some key points include:
1. Impotence refers to the inability to perform sexual acts or gratify a partner, while sterility is the inability to conceive or impregnate.
2. Signs of virginity include an intact hymen, narrow vagina, small breasts and genitals. Pregnancy can be determined through subjective symptoms like missed periods and objective findings like breast changes, skin pigmentation, and fetal movements.
3. Delivery is assessed by examining breasts, genitals, cerv
Determination of time since death/ postmortem time intervalATUL ABHISHEK
1. Several post-mortem changes can help estimate time since death, including algor mortis (body cooling), rigor mortis (muscle stiffening), livor mortis (post-mortem lividity), and decomposition.
2. Changes also occur in the skin, eyes, and internal organs after death. Pupil dilation occurs initially but contractions occur with rigor mortis. The vitreous potassium level rises and can indicate time since death.
3. Insect evidence, including the development of blowfly larvae, can help estimate minimum post-mortem interval based on temperature-dependent insect life cycles.
Hii, I have uploaded my class presentation
Death & its causes/ Thanatology is very interesting and important topic in Forensic Medicine, might be useful for other readers also
This document discusses cessation of life and determining death. It covers:
- Definitions of somatic death, molecular death, brain death, and brain stem death.
- Criteria for determining whole brain death which requires absent brain and brainstem function and apnea.
- Importance of determining the cause and time of death for organ transplantation. Different organs remain viable for varying lengths of time after circulation stops.
- Distinctions between brain death, persistent vegetative state, and brainstem injury and how each affects respiratory and cardiac function.
1. Livor mortis, also known as postmortem lividity or hypostasis, is the bluish-purple discoloration of the skin that occurs after death due to blood settling in the lowest parts of the body under the influence of gravity.
2. The location of livor mortis depends on the body's position after death, appearing in areas that are closest to the ground. It begins appearing within 2 hours and becomes fixed within 6-12 hours as the blood leaks into tissues.
3. The pattern and color of livor mortis can help determine the cause, time, and manner of death in forensic investigations by indicating factors like asphyxiation, poisoning, or changes
This document discusses death and its causes according to forensic medicine. It defines death and outlines the different types, including somatic/clinical death which is the complete and irreversible stoppage of circulation, respiration, and brain function. Brain death is described as a process involving cortical, brain stem, and whole brain death. The criteria for determining brain death and the proper diagnosis procedure involving medical experts is explained. Molecular death at the cellular level is discussed as well. Modes of death, manner of death, and mechanisms are outlined. Negative autopsies and obscure autopsies that do not reveal a definite cause are addressed. Sudden unexpected death within 24 hours is also summarized.
This document provides information about ante mortem and post mortem wounds. It begins with defining key terms like wounds, ante mortem, and post mortem. The document then discusses the significance of distinguishing between ante mortem and post mortem wounds for identification purposes, determining cause of death, and the type of weapon used. It outlines the key differences between ante mortem wounds, which occur before death and show bleeding and blood clotting, and post mortem wounds, which occur after death and show lividity and lack of clotting. References are provided for additional information.
All about Autopsy in forensic medicine .pptxPaul523674
The document discusses the process and objectives of a forensic autopsy. It begins by defining an autopsy as a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. It then describes the four main types of autopsies and explains that a forensic autopsy seeks to determine the cause and manner of death in cases of violent, suspicious or sudden deaths. The document outlines the steps of a typical forensic autopsy procedure, including external examination of the body, internal examination of the organs, and reconstruction of the body. It explains that the objectives are to determine identity, cause of death, manner of death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or unknown), and any evidence left by an assailant in homicide cases.
The document provides guidance on performing an external examination during an autopsy. It emphasizes that the external exam is important for establishing identity, determining cause and manner of death, and looking for natural disease. It describes examining the entire body, including identification marks, clothing, jewelry, height, weight, rigor mortis, livor mortis, drying, edema, cyanosis, and hands and feet. Proper documentation of all findings is stressed.
The document discusses the objectives, formalities, and procedures of performing an autopsy. It defines an autopsy as a post-mortem examination to determine the cause and manner of death. Forensic autopsies are performed when the cause of death may be related to criminal activity. The document outlines the various steps of an autopsy, including external and internal examinations of the body. It also discusses the benefits of autopsies and limitations that may exist.
An autopsy (post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode and manner of death or to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present for research or educational purposes.
- Autopsies date back to ancient Greece and have evolved significantly over time, with early contributors including Herophilus, Galen, Vesalius, and Virchow.
- The main objectives of autopsy are to determine the cause of death, identify hereditary diseases, rule out infectious diseases, and provide information for education, research, and national statistics.
- There are various techniques for performing autopsies including en masse, en bloc, and in situ methods. Special techniques are also used for situations like postoperative autopsies.
The document provides an outline of topics covered in an autopsy lecture including the autopsy procedure, autopsy report and death certificates, forensic wounds from gunshot injuries and poisoning. It discusses the external and internal examination process during an autopsy as well as microscopic examination, toxicology testing and determining the cause and manner of death.
Doctors should carefully observe patients like detectives during physical examinations. The document outlines the process of a physical assessment including preparation, examination methods, and conducting assessments from head to toe. Key steps involve introducing oneself, obtaining permission before examining, asking about pain or discomfort, inspecting various body systems, and documenting findings and vital signs. Physical assessments provide objective health information through direct observation and examination techniques.
Power point on postmortem (mohit narayan)Mohit Narayan
This document discusses postmortem examinations and findings related to drowning and hanging/strangulation. It explains that a postmortem aims to determine the cause and manner of death through examination of the body and organs. For drowning, findings may include water in the lungs or stomach, but are not always conclusive without toxicology. Hanging leaves ligature marks on the neck, which can indicate the material used and help distinguish between suicide and murder. However, further examination is needed to fully determine the cause of death in all cases.
The document discusses the importance of performing a thorough secondary survey on trauma patients to identify injuries that may have been missed in the initial primary survey. It outlines the steps of the secondary survey including obtaining history, examining the head/face, neck, chest, abdomen, extremities, pelvis, neurologic status, and skin. The goal is to identify any injuries that require treatment to prevent morbidity and mortality that could result from delayed diagnosis.
This document provides guidance on sample collection, preservation, and dispatch techniques for specimens obtained during medicolegal autopsies. It outlines the objectives and types of specimens collected, including those for crime detection, serology/biology, histopathology, and toxicology. Detailed methods are described for collecting blood, urine, CSF, bile, vitreous humor, stomach contents, bone/marrow, hair, nails, and skin. Preservation techniques are covered for blood, other viscera, and tissues. Specimens should be properly labeled and sealed before being dispatched along with relevant documentation to the forensic laboratory for analysis.
This document discusses various factors to consider in embalming analysis and treatment planning. It covers the evolution from older "recipe" style embalming to the current three-step analysis method. The three steps are observation, proposed treatment, and implementation/observation of results. Key considerations include the decedent's medical conditions and treatments, postmortem changes, and communication with funeral directors. Specific topics discussed include purge, gases, renal failure, obesity, mycotic infections, and analysis factors for infants and the elderly such as vessel selection, mouth closure challenges, and arthritis. The document emphasizes thorough analysis and customized treatment planning for optimal embalming outcomes.
The document provides guidance on performing a fetal autopsy, including external and internal examination procedures, organ dissection techniques, and microscopic examination recommendations to fully assess cause of death or developmental abnormalities while maintaining anatomic relationships. Key steps include external measurements, internal organ inspection in situ, evisceration of organ blocks, and dissection of individual organs like the heart, lungs, intestines and kidneys.
The document discusses the process and objectives of a forensic autopsy. It explains that a forensic autopsy aims to determine the identity of the deceased, estimate the time of death, identify injuries and their significance, and determine the cause of death. The key aspects of a forensic autopsy include external and internal examination of the body, documentation of evidence, laboratory investigation of samples, and preparation of a report detailing the findings and cause of death. Precautions must be taken with high-risk infectious cases. The ultimate goals are to determine the medical cause and manner of death, which may be natural, accidental, suicidal or homicidal.
This document provides guidance on how to approach clinical problems by taking a thorough patient history and conducting a physical examination. It outlines the key components of the history, including the chief complaint, present and past medical histories, medications, and review of systems. The physical exam section describes examining each body system, with a focus on the pelvic exam for gynecologic cases. It emphasizes making a diagnosis, assessing severity, determining treatment, and following the patient's response.
Veterinary forensic sciences involve applying science to answer legal questions related to animal cruelty and welfare cases. Veterinary experts conduct post-mortem examinations to determine the cause and time of death, collect relevant samples, document findings, and report their conclusions. The goal is to provide objective scientific evidence to aid legal investigations into allegations of cruelty, neglect, poisoning or other harms against animals. All veterinary forensic work must be performed according to legal protocols, with proper authorization and documentation to support applicable animal protection laws.
This document provides an overview of autopsy principles and techniques. It discusses the different types of autopsies including medicolegal, pathological, and virtual autopsies. It describes the objectives of autopsies which include benefits to medical education, public health, and law enforcement. The document outlines the standard technique involving a Y-shaped incision and the removal and examination of organs. It provides details on inspecting the body and cavities for abnormalities and the importance of documenting findings.
The document provides tips for using a PowerPoint presentation on appendicitis, including allowing free downloading and editing, using blank slides to elicit student responses, and repeating the presentation multiple times for active learning. It also lists the learning objectives and outlines for sections on introduction/history, anatomy, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, management, and prevention of appendicitis. The presentation provides details on the causes, stages, signs and symptoms, demography, complications, differential diagnosis, and treatment options for appendicitis.
This document provides information about post-mortem examination and autopsy procedures. It discusses the purpose of autopsies, which is to determine cause of death, identity of the deceased, and other legal or medical factors. It describes the different types of autopsies including forensic, clinical, and virtual autopsies. The document outlines the typical autopsy procedure, which involves authorization, identification of the body, documentation of evidence, external and internal examination of the body, and determination of findings. A history of autopsy practices from ancient Egypt to modern forensic pathology is also provided.
SDSS1335+0728: The awakening of a ∼ 106M⊙ black hole⋆Sérgio Sacani
Context. The early-type galaxy SDSS J133519.91+072807.4 (hereafter SDSS1335+0728), which had exhibited no prior optical variations during the preceding two decades, began showing significant nuclear variability in the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) alert stream from December 2019 (as ZTF19acnskyy). This variability behaviour, coupled with the host-galaxy properties, suggests that SDSS1335+0728 hosts a ∼ 106M⊙ black hole (BH) that is currently in the process of ‘turning on’. Aims. We present a multi-wavelength photometric analysis and spectroscopic follow-up performed with the aim of better understanding the origin of the nuclear variations detected in SDSS1335+0728. Methods. We used archival photometry (from WISE, 2MASS, SDSS, GALEX, eROSITA) and spectroscopic data (from SDSS and LAMOST) to study the state of SDSS1335+0728 prior to December 2019, and new observations from Swift, SOAR/Goodman, VLT/X-shooter, and Keck/LRIS taken after its turn-on to characterise its current state. We analysed the variability of SDSS1335+0728 in the X-ray/UV/optical/mid-infrared range, modelled its spectral energy distribution prior to and after December 2019, and studied the evolution of its UV/optical spectra. Results. From our multi-wavelength photometric analysis, we find that: (a) since 2021, the UV flux (from Swift/UVOT observations) is four times brighter than the flux reported by GALEX in 2004; (b) since June 2022, the mid-infrared flux has risen more than two times, and the W1−W2 WISE colour has become redder; and (c) since February 2024, the source has begun showing X-ray emission. From our spectroscopic follow-up, we see that (i) the narrow emission line ratios are now consistent with a more energetic ionising continuum; (ii) broad emission lines are not detected; and (iii) the [OIII] line increased its flux ∼ 3.6 years after the first ZTF alert, which implies a relatively compact narrow-line-emitting region. Conclusions. We conclude that the variations observed in SDSS1335+0728 could be either explained by a ∼ 106M⊙ AGN that is just turning on or by an exotic tidal disruption event (TDE). If the former is true, SDSS1335+0728 is one of the strongest cases of an AGNobserved in the process of activating. If the latter were found to be the case, it would correspond to the longest and faintest TDE ever observed (or another class of still unknown nuclear transient). Future observations of SDSS1335+0728 are crucial to further understand its behaviour. Key words. galaxies: active– accretion, accretion discs– galaxies: individual: SDSS J133519.91+072807.4
(June 12, 2024) Webinar: Development of PET theranostics targeting the molecu...Scintica Instrumentation
Targeting Hsp90 and its pathogen Orthologs with Tethered Inhibitors as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategy for cancer and infectious diseases with Dr. Timothy Haystead.
Immersive Learning That Works: Research Grounding and Paths ForwardLeonel Morgado
We will metaverse into the essence of immersive learning, into its three dimensions and conceptual models. This approach encompasses elements from teaching methodologies to social involvement, through organizational concerns and technologies. Challenging the perception of learning as knowledge transfer, we introduce a 'Uses, Practices & Strategies' model operationalized by the 'Immersive Learning Brain' and ‘Immersion Cube’ frameworks. This approach offers a comprehensive guide through the intricacies of immersive educational experiences and spotlighting research frontiers, along the immersion dimensions of system, narrative, and agency. Our discourse extends to stakeholders beyond the academic sphere, addressing the interests of technologists, instructional designers, and policymakers. We span various contexts, from formal education to organizational transformation to the new horizon of an AI-pervasive society. This keynote aims to unite the iLRN community in a collaborative journey towards a future where immersive learning research and practice coalesce, paving the way for innovative educational research and practice landscapes.
Microbial interaction
Microorganisms interacts with each other and can be physically associated with another organisms in a variety of ways.
One organism can be located on the surface of another organism as an ectobiont or located within another organism as endobiont.
Microbial interaction may be positive such as mutualism, proto-cooperation, commensalism or may be negative such as parasitism, predation or competition
Types of microbial interaction
Positive interaction: mutualism, proto-cooperation, commensalism
Negative interaction: Ammensalism (antagonism), parasitism, predation, competition
I. Mutualism:
It is defined as the relationship in which each organism in interaction gets benefits from association. It is an obligatory relationship in which mutualist and host are metabolically dependent on each other.
Mutualistic relationship is very specific where one member of association cannot be replaced by another species.
Mutualism require close physical contact between interacting organisms.
Relationship of mutualism allows organisms to exist in habitat that could not occupied by either species alone.
Mutualistic relationship between organisms allows them to act as a single organism.
Examples of mutualism:
i. Lichens:
Lichens are excellent example of mutualism.
They are the association of specific fungi and certain genus of algae. In lichen, fungal partner is called mycobiont and algal partner is called
II. Syntrophism:
It is an association in which the growth of one organism either depends on or improved by the substrate provided by another organism.
In syntrophism both organism in association gets benefits.
Compound A
Utilized by population 1
Compound B
Utilized by population 2
Compound C
utilized by both Population 1+2
Products
In this theoretical example of syntrophism, population 1 is able to utilize and metabolize compound A, forming compound B but cannot metabolize beyond compound B without co-operation of population 2. Population 2is unable to utilize compound A but it can metabolize compound B forming compound C. Then both population 1 and 2 are able to carry out metabolic reaction which leads to formation of end product that neither population could produce alone.
Examples of syntrophism:
i. Methanogenic ecosystem in sludge digester
Methane produced by methanogenic bacteria depends upon interspecies hydrogen transfer by other fermentative bacteria.
Anaerobic fermentative bacteria generate CO2 and H2 utilizing carbohydrates which is then utilized by methanogenic bacteria (Methanobacter) to produce methane.
ii. Lactobacillus arobinosus and Enterococcus faecalis:
In the minimal media, Lactobacillus arobinosus and Enterococcus faecalis are able to grow together but not alone.
The synergistic relationship between E. faecalis and L. arobinosus occurs in which E. faecalis require folic acid
Evidence of Jet Activity from the Secondary Black Hole in the OJ 287 Binary S...Sérgio Sacani
Wereport the study of a huge optical intraday flare on 2021 November 12 at 2 a.m. UT in the blazar OJ287. In the binary black hole model, it is associated with an impact of the secondary black hole on the accretion disk of the primary. Our multifrequency observing campaign was set up to search for such a signature of the impact based on a prediction made 8 yr earlier. The first I-band results of the flare have already been reported by Kishore et al. (2024). Here we combine these data with our monitoring in the R-band. There is a big change in the R–I spectral index by 1.0 ±0.1 between the normal background and the flare, suggesting a new component of radiation. The polarization variation during the rise of the flare suggests the same. The limits on the source size place it most reasonably in the jet of the secondary BH. We then ask why we have not seen this phenomenon before. We show that OJ287 was never before observed with sufficient sensitivity on the night when the flare should have happened according to the binary model. We also study the probability that this flare is just an oversized example of intraday variability using the Krakow data set of intense monitoring between 2015 and 2023. We find that the occurrence of a flare of this size and rapidity is unlikely. In machine-readable Tables 1 and 2, we give the full orbit-linked historical light curve of OJ287 as well as the dense monitoring sample of Krakow.
PPT on Direct Seeded Rice presented at the three-day 'Training and Validation Workshop on Modules of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Technologies in South Asia' workshop on April 22, 2024.
The cost of acquiring information by natural selectionCarl Bergstrom
This is a short talk that I gave at the Banff International Research Station workshop on Modeling and Theory in Population Biology. The idea is to try to understand how the burden of natural selection relates to the amount of information that selection puts into the genome.
It's based on the first part of this research paper:
The cost of information acquisition by natural selection
Ryan Seamus McGee, Olivia Kosterlitz, Artem Kaznatcheev, Benjamin Kerr, Carl T. Bergstrom
bioRxiv 2022.07.02.498577; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.07.02.498577
BIRDS DIVERSITY OF SOOTEA BISWANATH ASSAM.ppt.pptxgoluk9330
Ahota Beel, nestled in Sootea Biswanath Assam , is celebrated for its extraordinary diversity of bird species. This wetland sanctuary supports a myriad of avian residents and migrants alike. Visitors can admire the elegant flights of migratory species such as the Northern Pintail and Eurasian Wigeon, alongside resident birds including the Asian Openbill and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. With its tranquil scenery and varied habitats, Ahota Beel offers a perfect haven for birdwatchers to appreciate and study the vibrant birdlife that thrives in this natural refuge.
Signatures of wave erosion in Titan’s coastsSérgio Sacani
The shorelines of Titan’s hydrocarbon seas trace flooded erosional landforms such as river valleys; however, it isunclear whether coastal erosion has subsequently altered these shorelines. Spacecraft observations and theo-retical models suggest that wind may cause waves to form on Titan’s seas, potentially driving coastal erosion,but the observational evidence of waves is indirect, and the processes affecting shoreline evolution on Titanremain unknown. No widely accepted framework exists for using shoreline morphology to quantitatively dis-cern coastal erosion mechanisms, even on Earth, where the dominant mechanisms are known. We combinelandscape evolution models with measurements of shoreline shape on Earth to characterize how differentcoastal erosion mechanisms affect shoreline morphology. Applying this framework to Titan, we find that theshorelines of Titan’s seas are most consistent with flooded landscapes that subsequently have been eroded bywaves, rather than a uniform erosional process or no coastal erosion, particularly if wave growth saturates atfetch lengths of tens of kilometers.
3. • Also called autopsy examination or necropsy
• Autopsy examination is the methodical
dissection of a dead body.
4. Classification
• Three types
1. Clinical or pathological autopsy;
- detemines the disease causing death. It is
performed when relatives give consent
2. Medicolegal autopsy;
- Performed to solve mysterious unnatural death.
- Done with authorization by the state
3. Anatomical autopsy;
5. 3. Anatomical autopsy;
-done in order to study the normal structure of
the human body. This is done mostly on the
unclaimed bodies handed over to anatomy.
6. Consent for autopsy
• Clinical autopsy, obtain consent from relatives
• Medical legal autopsy, no consent from
relatives bbut legal permission is a must
• Anatomical autopsy, no consent is needed.
7. Medicolegal autopsy
• Is a special type of autopsy ordered by the
state in all unnatural deaths eg homicides,
suicide, accident
Objectives:
- Identity of the deceased
- Time since death
- Cause of death
9. Legal formalities
• Authorization order
• Identification of the deceased
• Facts about the case
• Place of performing autopsy
• Qualifications
Other formalities
- Do a pm as soon as possible
- Don’t allow unauthosized people in the mortuary
- Prepare the report immediately
10. Procedure of medicolegal autopsy
• External examination
- Most important part of the medicaolegal
autopsy as most information is gathered
during the examination
- These include; clothes, stains, identity, body
orifices, fingers, injuries, rigor mortis,
decomposition
11. Internal examination
• Includes dissection and examination of the
three major cavities
- Dissection of the skull/cranial cavity
- Dissection of the thoracic cavity
- Dissection of abdominal cavity
All body organs should be examination
meticulously and in detail.
12.
13.
14. Dissecting cranial cavity
• Includes;
- sculp incision
- removing the skull cap
- opening the duramater
- removing the brain
- dissection of brain matter
Examine; any inuries, fractures, hemorrhages,
congenital anomalies
15.
16.
17. Dissection of thoracic and abdominal
cavities.
- Incision:
- I shaped, y or modified y.
- Removal of abdominal and thoracic viscera
- Open the cavities to expose internal organs.
- Examine the cavites for fat , pus, blood or any
hemorrhage
- Examine organs one by one
- Closing the body
- Handing over of the body
18.
19.
20.
21. Dissection of Heart
• Holding it at its apex and cutting the aorta and
pulmonary vessels as far away as possible from
base, separate the heart.
• dissected in the direction of blood flow
• Pass a forceps through the openings of superior
and inferior vena cava and by cutting between
the arms of forceps, open the right atrium.
Open the auricular appendage and look for the
thrombi, if any.
22. Cont’d
• Examine right ventricle through tricuspid
valve and assess its size (normally three
fingers can be introduced easily).
• Introduce a long pointed knife through it and
pierce the apex and cut along the right lateral
margin in one stroke the thickness
• Examine the valve cusps.
23. Cont’d
From the apex cut open the pulmonary artery,
along its long axis and examine the valve, cusps
and look for the presence of any embolus.
• pass the scissors into pulmonary veins, jointly
cut them and enter into left atrium Cut the left
auricular appendage and look for the thrombus, if
any.
• Introduce fingers into mitral valve and examine it
• examine the wall, valves, papillary muscles,
chordae tendinae, septum, etc.
24. Cont’d
• open the aorta from left ventricle and
examine the aortic valve and coronary ostia.
• Coronaries are dissected longitudinally or by
serial sectioning along their course for their
patency.
• Heart is preferably weighed after its
dissection.
25. Special Procedures for Specific Cases
• These vary according to types of cases, and are enumerated
below and discussed separately:
• Poisoning
• Mechanical asphyxia such as hanging, strangulation,
drowning, etc.
• Burns
• Criminal abortion
• Road traffic accident
• Newborn/infant/foetus—infanticide case
• Firearm injurieExhumation
• Examination of skeletal remains.
26. Poisoning Case
Take care to note following observations as
found during the autopsy examination:
• Smell
• Color of PM stain
• Froth around mouth and nostrils
• Corrosions
• Any injuries, fang marks, etc.
• Gastrointestinal tract findings.
27. Hanging/Strangulation Cases
• Take care note of the following:
• Ligature material and mark
• Salivary dribbling marks
• Face findings (eyes, pupils, and tongue)
• Injuries to spinal vertebrae.
• Bloodless dissection of neck
• Here the cranial and thoracoabdominal cavities
are dissected first, and neck and neck structures
dissected last
28. Firearms Injuries
• Note the following during the autopsy
examination:
• Clothes
• Cadaveric spasm
• Radiological examination
• Details of wound (terminal ballistics)
• Projectile if any must be collected, preserved
properly with
• proper marking
29. Drowning
Note the following during the autopsy examination:
• Changes in hand, feet, skin, etc.
• Froth around mouth and nostrils
• Cadaveric spasm
• Injuries (reconstruction of case)
• Air passages and lungs
• Diatom test
• Viscera for chemical examination
30. Burns
Note
• Smell
• Nature of burns (note antemortem/
postmortem, by looking for vital changes)
• Age of burns or time since burns injury
• Color of postmortem stains
• Presence of soot particles in air passages
suggestive of antemortem burns.
31. Criminal Abortion
Note:
• Evidence of pregnancy and gestation period
• Criminal abortion—evidence
• Toxic substance—evidence
• Sepsis, emboli, complications, etc.
32. Road Traffic Accidents
• All injuries must be described
• Any foreign particles—preserved
• Alcohol—stomach, blood, urine
• Eyes—vision impairment evidence
33. NEGATIVE AND OBSCURE AUTOPSY
• It is a fact that a medicolegal autopsy result
may not be favorable in deciding every case.
• It could be negative or obscure
Negative Autopsy
• An autopsy, which fails to reveal the cause of
death with gross,microscopic, toxicologic and
other laboratory investigations.
34. Causes
• Inadequate history especially in cases of death due to
vagal inhibition, hypersensitivity, etc.
• Lapses in external examination as in case of death due
to snake bite, other insect stinging, etc.
• Inadequate or improper internal examination, e.g. air
embolism or pneumothorax missed.
• Insufficient laboratory examination.
• Lack of toxicological analysis
• Lack of proper training to perform an autopsy properly.
35. Obscure Autopsy
• An autopsy done meticulously, properly and
perfectly, but
• present with no clear-cut findings as to give a
definite cause of death
36. Causes
1. Natural causes such as:
• Obscure morbid anatomy
• Obscure histopathology
• Emotional causes
• Paroxysmal fibrillation, etc.
2. Biochemical disturbances like uremia, diabetes, etc.
3. Concealed trauma, such as concealed punctured wound.
4. Endocrine disturbances such as conceded fimctired wound.
5. Poisoning due to: Anaesthetic over-dosage
6. Miscellaneous—such as putrefied body
37. Medicolegal Importance of Negative
or Obscure Autopsy
1. In autopsies, which are obscure, medical
examiner must not hesitate to state that no
opinion can be given regarding the cause of
death.
2. No doctor should entertain a guesswork in
establishing cause of death for the reason that
medicolegal autopsy is to exclude foul play
and derive justice
38. FETAL AUTOPSY
foetal autopsy is alsoan essential work done by a
medicolegal expert.
The various aspects of fetal autopsy can be studied under
following heads.
• Objectives
ascertain the following:
• What is the intrauterine age of the fetus?
• Is it viable or not?
• If viable, is it liveborn or not?
• If liveborn, how long did it survive after birth?
• If yes, ascertain the intrauterine age of the fetus.
39. Legal Formalities
• Investigating police officer has to give a
requisition for the fetal autopsy with brief
history of the case.
• The special objectives in a case of infanticide
require certain special examinations and tests
to be done besides the routine dissection to
find out the cause of death.
• A detailed examination is done
40. External Examination
• A thorough external examination is done noting following
facts;
• Clothes and wrappings
• Postmortem changes
• Signs of maceration; the skin of the macerated fetus is
coppery red in colour.
- The body parts are flaccid and flat when placed on a table.
- The bones appear to be separated.
- Umbilical cord tied or torn, or with signs of inflammation.
• Placenta—note whether attached or not, measure the
weight, and look for any infarcts, disease, etc
41. • Signs of maturity (intrauterine age and viability)
- Crown heel/rump length with a flexible tape
- Weight
- Midpoint of body in relation to sternum and umbilicus.
- Skin—wrinkled or smooth with presence of fat, covered
- Nails—appeared or not. If present–extent of growth.
- Scalp hairs—appeared or not.
- Eyelashes and eyebrows—appeared or not.
- Eyelids—adherent or open.
- Testicles—ascertain the position by incising the scrotum
and inguinal canal if necessary
42. Cont’d
• Ossification centres:
• Special emphasis may be given to
• note for ossification status of
• certain bones only in certain parts of the body
by special procedures of dissection of
Knee joints
Ankle bones
43. • Sternum:
• Sacral segments
• Cyanosis—look for this in the face, and
fingernails.
• Caput succedaneum—over the head (scalp) or
buttocks.
44. Internal Examination
• Examination of Skull and Brain
• Reflect scalp as usual and cut through the
membranous connections of the skull bones.
Look for bruising of the scalp,
• fracture of skull bones, site and extent of caput,
moulding, tears in membranes, hemorrhage in
meninges, puncture in anterior fontanel, etc.
• Remove and examine the brain
45. Examination of Thorax and Abdomen
• Make a midline incision from chin to pubis avoiding umbilicus
• Open the abdomen first and ascertain level of diaphragm. Then
reflect the chest muscles, remove the sternal plate exposing the
viscera.
• Note position of heart and lungs in situ
• The floor of the mouth, larynx and deeper tissues of the neck are
now examined—for foreign bodies, mucus, meconium and marks of
violence.
• Ligate the trachea halfway to its bifurcation to prevent foreign
• Remove the thoracic organs enmasse by gentle traction.
• Put the whole piece consisting of the heart, thymus and both the
lungs in a tall jar containing water and note whether it sinks or
floats.
46. Cont’d
• Look for the presence of Tardieu’s spots under the
serous membranes.
• Open the trachea and bronchi and note down the
contents.
• Remove the lungs and heart.
• Examine the heart through the ventricles and note any
difference in colour of blood on two sides.
• Examine the lungs for its weight, colour, consistency,
edges, presence of distended air cells under pleura,
crepitation and for conditions like collapse or
consolidation.
• Perform hydrostatic test at this stage.
47. HYDROSTATIC TEST/
FLOATATION TEST
• Hydrostatic test is a test done to confirm whether the lungs tested are
from a respired newborn or not.
Principle
• If the newborn has respired after birth, the air that has entered the lungs
shall remain within the lungs as residual air, which cannot be removed
even after death, renders the lung lighter and makes it float in water
giving positive result.
Procedure
• Put each lung separately into a jar of water, see whether it sinks or floats.
• Cut each into 10 to 12 pieces observe the blood exuding.
Test each of them for buoyancy.
• Pick up the floating pieces, and press firmly under water.
• Observe the nature of bubbles streaming up. Note whether they continue
to float or not.
48. Interpretation
• If the entire lung floats, it means that the child had not
only respired but respiration had been completely
established.
• In the absence of putrefaction this test itself is conclusive.
• If some pieces float but others sink, the child has of course
respired but for a very short period and ineffectively. Yet it
is a live born child.
• If all pieces sink, the child never respired and is stillborn.
disadvantages
• Putrefaction:
• An unrespired lung may float due to gases of
decomposition.
49. STOMACH BOWEL TEST
(BRESLAU’S SECOND LIFE TEST)
• Test is done to determine whether the child was born alive
or not.
Principle
• Some air is swallowed during respiration in a live born child
and detecting the presence of this air in these viscera
constitutes the basis for this test.
Procedure
• Remove stomach and duodenum separately by cutting in
• ligatures.
• Place them both in water. See whether they float or sink.
• f they float, make a small cut while under water to see air-
• bubbles coming up.
50. Cont’d
• A floating viscera giving out air-bubbles when
opened under
• water is positive test and suggestive of live birth.
• A positive test proves live birth even in the
absence of a positive hydrostatic lung test.
• A negative test does not mean stillbirth since air
does not necessarily enter stomach in adequate
amounts during the breathing act.
• Putrefaction invalidates the result.
51. Other Findings Suggestive of Live Birth
• Open the stomach along the greater curvature
and look for mucus and milk.
• Examine the large bowel for meconium and
urinary bladder for urine, presence of which
indicates that the child had lived for some
time.
• The umbilical vessels are removed and
examined histologically, which is of help in
determining exactly how long the child, lived.
52. AGE OF THE FETUS
• Determination of age of the fetus (is very
essentiaL and crucial in cases such as:
• Infanticide: A child which has completed 7
months of IU development is deemed viable,
i.e. capable of being born alive and reared.
• Criminal abortion: is abortion induced after
14-18 weeks hence need for punishment
53. WHETHER THE CHILD WAS BORN
ALIVE OR NOT
• A charge of infanticide can be sustained only
when it is proved that the child was born alive,
and it was killed by criminal means
• Live born child is one, which is partly or wholly
born external to the mother and showed
some signs of life.
54. Cont’d
Dead Born Child
• It is diagnosed by the presence of maceration, i.e. a
peculiar change that a dead fetus undergoes when it
remains in the uterus without being expelled.
Stillborn Child
• After being born the child never showed any sign of life. It
might have died during deliver y. It shows neither the signs
of maceration nor positive signs of live birth. A complete
autopsy may give the cause of stillbirth.
• Check for;
1. Signs of maceration
2. Signs of immaturity
56. MURDER, SUICIDE OR ACCIDENT
• Doctor’s responsibility in connection with a death
is only to determine, and often certify, the
medical “cause of death.
• For example, a stabbed person may be certified
as “stab injury of the chest.
• Medical cause of death requires further
clarification for legal purposes, into manner of
death, i.e. homicide, suicide, accident or natural
cause.
• Enter the manner of death on death certificate,
along with medical cause.
57. FIREARMS INJURIES
• distinction between murder,suicide or accident.
• Range of firing beyond arms length cannot be suicidal,
unless otherwise certain special mechanical devices are
used.
• Absence of weapon at the scene of death excludes
suicide.
• Homiciders usually choose sites like inaccessible parts
of the body (for a victim)–such as back of the neck or
trunk.
• Regarding wounds inflicted on eyes, back of the head,
abdomen, etc. accident or murder is highly likely.
• A doctor has to take note all factors in firearm injury
58. KNIFE WOUNDS
• Suicidal knife wounds have a characteristic pattern, though
a murderer can even simulate these very occasionally.
Suicide shows;
• Presence of tentative cuts or hesitation cuts
• Site—usually seen on the wrist, throat, etc.
• In right-handed victims, the cuts in the throat are often
deepest on the left side while it tails off to the right,
passing obliquely downwards across the larynx, which may
be badly damaged.
Homicidal cut throat is usually more severe and lacks tentative
cuts.
• Homicidal cut wounds are usually deep even into the
vertebral column.
59. Cont’d
• In self-destruction, the stabs are most often into chest,
though some may be made into the head through skull.
• Abdominal wounds are uncommon, as are gunshots, as
death may be uncertain or lingering and painful.
• Suicidal chest wounds are usually over left side
• Stabs are usually single, but multiple stab wounds
indicate homicide
• Many of the suicides who stab themselves in the chest,
pull aside the clothing first, a feature which may be
useful in interpreting the motive, as homicidal
stabbings invariably penetrate the clothing
60. Cont’d
• Homicidal stab wounds have no particular
characteristics and can only be identified if
they are into inaccessible parts of the body
such as the back or if the weapon is present at
the scene of death.
• Fatal accidental stab wounds with knives is
unusual, but may occur in butchers,
slaughtermen, etc.
61. HANGING, STRANGULATION AND
SUFFOCATION
• Asphyxial deaths give rise to considerable difficulties for doctor and
investigators in distinguishing between accident, suicide and
homicide.
• Hanging is almost always suicidal
• Hanging is very rare and unless the victim is drugged or drunk,
hanging cannot be accomplished in resisting conscious person,
unless restrained by tying up, etc.
• Self-strangulation is virtually impossible with the hands.
• In ligature strangulation, whether murder or suicide, the mark on
the neck takes generally a horizontal course, even though this might
be high up under the chin and angles of the jaw.
• In hanging, there is usually a rising ligature mark to the place where
the knot is situated, leaving a gap
62. • Strangulation In young
adolescent/adults/even middle-aged, sexual
asphyxia must be thought.
• These activities usually amount to accidental
hanging, here death not being intended by the
man who is indulging in sexual fantasies
• The police often who are unaware of this may
label the death as suicide or even murder
63. Cont’d
• Suffocation, by external soft fabrics, pillows,
cushions and plastic sheets almost never leaves
any signs
• cannot differentiated from other natural deaths
if the obstructing object is removed before the
doctor or other witness attends the scene.
• Sufficient pressure exerted may cause abrasion;
contusion, etc. which may create suspicions.
64. DROWNING
• In drowning again it is circumstances, which will be
more helpful in distinguishing the manner of death.
• E.g removal of clothing, spectacles, etc. and kept on
the river banks are suggestive of suicide than accident
or homicide.
• A full examination of dead body is essential to exclude
natural diseases, which may have caused a fall into
water, and injuries sustained before entering
• Tying of hands and legs/tying some heavy objects like
stone, by a determined suicider need to be convinced
that the tying is by the victim himself or herself
65. SELECTED SPECIAL PROCEDURE OF
AUTOPSY
• Certain selected autopsy procedures and techniques that are
• helpful in the routine performance of medicolegal postmortem
• examinations are discussed include:
• Demonstration of air embolism
• Demonstration of pneumothorax
• Demonstration of thrombi in the calves
• Reconstruction of the skull for personal identification and
determination of type of violence
• Removal of the jaw for dental identification
• Removal of spinal cord by anterior approach
• Fixation of the brain
• Autopsy photography.