Forensic Pathology Death Signs,
Wounds, and Investigation Techniques
with Complete Solutions
Absence of breathing - ANSWER-Discuss why the absence of breathing is not a
definitive sign of death.
Absence of reflexes - ANSWER-One of the indicators that death has occurred, which
should be considered alongside other signs.
Accidental Deaths - ANSWER-Most drowning deaths, burning deaths, and electrocution
deaths are usually classified as accidental.
Accidental vs Homicidal Deaths - ANSWER-Most burning deaths are accidental;
however, a death because of arson is classified as a homicide.
Angles for Crime Scene Photography - ANSWER-Photographs should be taken from
different angles, including close-ups of important evidence.
Asphyxia - ANSWER-A condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing
unconsciousness or death.
Asphyxia deaths - ANSWER-Asphyxia deaths are caused from insufficient oxygen to
support the red blood cells from reaching the body tissues and the brain.
Autoerotic asphyxia - ANSWER-A sexual practice in which asphyxia is induced to
enhance orgasm.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation - ANSWER-Autoerotic asphyxiation occurs when a person
seeks sexual gratification from placing a rope around the neck and causing enough
oxygen to be restricted.
Autopsy definition - ANSWER-What is an autopsy?
Blast Effect - ANSWER-The damage inside the body is caused more by the blast effect
itself than from the projectile.
Bludgeon - ANSWER-Bludgeon blows from blunt objects result from many types of
weapons including hammers, clubs, heavy objects, rocks, hands, feet, and anything
else that can be picked up and forcibly brought into contact with the victim.
Blunt-instrument homicide - ANSWER-Deaths involving blunt instruments are normally
homicides or accidents and rarely a suicide.
, Bone Damage - ANSWER-Bone damage should be noted and a determination should
be made whether the death was delayed or occurred immediately because of internal
bleeding.
Bone impact - ANSWER-The projectile is easily deflected and generally stopped if bone
is struck.
Burning Deaths - ANSWER-Most burning deaths are accidental; however, a death
because of arson is classified as a homicide.
Cadaveric Spasm Evidence - ANSWER-Cadaveric spasm is generally most evident in
suicides where a gun is used.
Cadaveric spasms - ANSWER-Involuntary muscle contractions that occur at the time of
death or shortly thereafter.
Canvas the area - ANSWER-Attempt to locate anyone who may have been in the area
about the same time of day of the incident.
Carbon Monoxide Analysis - ANSWER-Even in the most intense fire, enough flesh,
bone, and blood usually remains to make a carbon monoxide analysis to determine if
the victim died prior to the fire.
Cause of death determination - ANSWER-Determining the cause of death is extremely
difficult from visual examination alone.
Causes of asphyxia - ANSWER-Asphyxia is the result of many causes including
choking, drowning, smothering, strangulation, hanging, swallowing of certain chemicals,
poisoning, or drug overdoses.
Causes of asphyxiation - ANSWER-List and explain four causes of asphyxiation.
Cessation of breath - ANSWER-A preliminary sign that death has occurred, but should
not be interpreted as proof of death.
Cessation of spontaneous heart action - ANSWER-An additional sign indicating that
death has occurred, to be evaluated with other indicators.
Changes in the eyes after death - ANSWER-Eye muscle tone lessens, pupils begin to
dilate, and the eye surface becomes cloudy within thirty minutes.
Choking - ANSWER-Choking is often caused by foreign bodies in the throat, and these
types of deaths are usually accidental.
Chronological notes - ANSWER-Notes should be chronological.
Wounds, and Investigation Techniques
with Complete Solutions
Absence of breathing - ANSWER-Discuss why the absence of breathing is not a
definitive sign of death.
Absence of reflexes - ANSWER-One of the indicators that death has occurred, which
should be considered alongside other signs.
Accidental Deaths - ANSWER-Most drowning deaths, burning deaths, and electrocution
deaths are usually classified as accidental.
Accidental vs Homicidal Deaths - ANSWER-Most burning deaths are accidental;
however, a death because of arson is classified as a homicide.
Angles for Crime Scene Photography - ANSWER-Photographs should be taken from
different angles, including close-ups of important evidence.
Asphyxia - ANSWER-A condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing
unconsciousness or death.
Asphyxia deaths - ANSWER-Asphyxia deaths are caused from insufficient oxygen to
support the red blood cells from reaching the body tissues and the brain.
Autoerotic asphyxia - ANSWER-A sexual practice in which asphyxia is induced to
enhance orgasm.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation - ANSWER-Autoerotic asphyxiation occurs when a person
seeks sexual gratification from placing a rope around the neck and causing enough
oxygen to be restricted.
Autopsy definition - ANSWER-What is an autopsy?
Blast Effect - ANSWER-The damage inside the body is caused more by the blast effect
itself than from the projectile.
Bludgeon - ANSWER-Bludgeon blows from blunt objects result from many types of
weapons including hammers, clubs, heavy objects, rocks, hands, feet, and anything
else that can be picked up and forcibly brought into contact with the victim.
Blunt-instrument homicide - ANSWER-Deaths involving blunt instruments are normally
homicides or accidents and rarely a suicide.
, Bone Damage - ANSWER-Bone damage should be noted and a determination should
be made whether the death was delayed or occurred immediately because of internal
bleeding.
Bone impact - ANSWER-The projectile is easily deflected and generally stopped if bone
is struck.
Burning Deaths - ANSWER-Most burning deaths are accidental; however, a death
because of arson is classified as a homicide.
Cadaveric Spasm Evidence - ANSWER-Cadaveric spasm is generally most evident in
suicides where a gun is used.
Cadaveric spasms - ANSWER-Involuntary muscle contractions that occur at the time of
death or shortly thereafter.
Canvas the area - ANSWER-Attempt to locate anyone who may have been in the area
about the same time of day of the incident.
Carbon Monoxide Analysis - ANSWER-Even in the most intense fire, enough flesh,
bone, and blood usually remains to make a carbon monoxide analysis to determine if
the victim died prior to the fire.
Cause of death determination - ANSWER-Determining the cause of death is extremely
difficult from visual examination alone.
Causes of asphyxia - ANSWER-Asphyxia is the result of many causes including
choking, drowning, smothering, strangulation, hanging, swallowing of certain chemicals,
poisoning, or drug overdoses.
Causes of asphyxiation - ANSWER-List and explain four causes of asphyxiation.
Cessation of breath - ANSWER-A preliminary sign that death has occurred, but should
not be interpreted as proof of death.
Cessation of spontaneous heart action - ANSWER-An additional sign indicating that
death has occurred, to be evaluated with other indicators.
Changes in the eyes after death - ANSWER-Eye muscle tone lessens, pupils begin to
dilate, and the eye surface becomes cloudy within thirty minutes.
Choking - ANSWER-Choking is often caused by foreign bodies in the throat, and these
types of deaths are usually accidental.
Chronological notes - ANSWER-Notes should be chronological.
