Pathology

[pjm007]

How does a pathologist determine an accurate time of death ?
I would assume that every human being is the same when they are dead, so there must be definate factors in every case. What are these factors ?

Thanks.

[jake-the-peg]

I hope you have a strong stomach when you reach the bit about maggots

http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00206/text_ta_time_since_death.htm

[SaxyJag]

The body begins to break down from the moment it dies. Pathologists use all sorts of clues - how much (or not) the blood has pooled, the extent of rigor mortis, temperature, fluid in lungs, bruising on body, even, where bodies have been left undiscovered for some time, the growth stages of maggots and other organisms. There are known rates for all of these factors, and more. Pathologists have learnt them all and can fit them together like a jigsaw puzzle. Obviously the longer a body's been dead then the less accurately they can state ToD.

[markja]

watch a few episodes of QUINCY. cracking program!