Chapter 4: Death Investigation Vocabulary Questions Answered 100% correct

Chapter 4: Death Investigation Vocabulary Questions Answered 100% correct Algor Mortis A process that occurs after death in which the body temperature continually cools until it reaches that ambient or room temperature. Autopsy A surgical procedure performed by a pathologist on dead body to ascertain- from the body, organs, and bodily fluids- the cause of death. Cause of Death Identifies the injury or disease that led to the chain of events resulting in death. Forensic Anthropology The use of anthropological knowledge of humans and skeletal structure to examine and identify human skeletal remains. Forensic Entomology The study of insect matter, growth patterns, and succession of arrival at a crime scene to determine the time since death. Forensic Pathologists Investigative personnel, typically medical examiners or coroners, who investigate the cause, manner, and times of death of a victim in a crime; can also be a physician who has been trained to conduct autopsies. Livor Mortis/Lividity A medical condition that occurs after death and results in the settling of blood in areas of the body closest to the ground. Manner of Death A determination made by a forensic pathologist of the cause of death. Five board categories are homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and undetermined. Petechiae Pinpoint hemorrhaging often observed in the white area of the victim's eyes; often observed in strangulation cases. Postmortem Interval (PMI) The length of time that has elapsed since a person had died. If the time is not known, a number of medical or scientific techniques may be used to estimate it. Rigor Mortis A medical condition that occurs after death and results in the stiffening of muscles mass. The rigidity of the body begin within 24 hours of death and disappears within 36 hours of death.