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Mummification Notes

Explore the fascinating process of mummification and how preserved tissue reveals insights into the health of individuals. Discover decomposition stages, graveyard wax, and clues from mummies.

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Mummification Notes

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  1. Mummification Notes

  2. At Death • Heart & Lungs stop functioning • Nutrients & Waste not taken care of • Cells move into anaerobic respiration  Lactic Acid • Blood pools in lower surfaces  Pale on Top, Dark on Bottom • Calcium permanently leaks into muscle cells  Permanent Contraction

  3. Timing • Neurological Cells die w/in 3min. • Skin & Bone Cells die w/in 3-7days. • Body Temperature  Room Temp w/in 12hours • Body Temperature  Cold w/in 24hours • Rigor Mortis w/in 3hours  Relaxation after 36hours

  4. Piggy Decomp… • http://www.deathonline.net/decomposition/decomposition/index.htm

  5. Rigor Mortis • Permanent Muscle Contraction & Stiffness • Maximum stiffness at 12hours • As Muscle degrades  Stiffness dissipates

  6. Grave Wax • White waxy substance • Accumulates in fatty areas • Bacteria digest fatty acids: • Enzymes + Water + Hydrogen + Fatty Acids • Produces soap residue • Abundance can preserve corpse + prevent “decomp” • However in presence of insects, this will not occur!

  7. “Decomp” • The breaking down of tissues • Triggers: • Body’s natural enzymes • Body’s natural bacteria • Environmental bacteria, chemicals, climate and insects • Will Happen In Presence Of: • Bacteria + Insects • Heat + Moisture

  8. Egyptian Mummification • Purposeful • Outer Tissue: • Dried w/ Salts + Chemicals • Salts + Alcohol will kill bacteria / insects • Covered in cloth, preventing moisture contamination • Inner Tissue: • Organs completely removed • Inside rubbed with Salts + Alcohol

  9. Natural Mummification • (The mummies we saw!) • Mummification not planned for: • “Accidental” • Absence of Insects, Bacteria + Moisture • Individuals buried like “normal” • Conditions: • Frozen • Bog • Dry & Arid

  10. Frozen Mummies • Extreme Cold Temperature • Tissue Dries Out  Absence of Liquid Water or Water Vapor • Absence of Bacteria & Insects • Causes: • People of arctic regions • Unfortunate, Untimely death • Accidental

  11. Bog Mummies • Bog = Type of wetland environment dense with dead plant matter. • Conditions: • Water extremely acidic • Temperature Cold • Lack of Oxygen • Absence of Bacteria • Causes: • Common in Murder Cases

  12. Dry & Arrid Mummies • Heat causes fast evaporation of water • Low Humidity (Very Dry Air) • Absence of Bacteria & Insects • Causes: • Normal Burial  Accidental Mummification • Unfortunate, Untimely Death

  13. Clues from Mummies • Use preserved tissue + bones to deduce health of individual. • Look for: • Bone disfiguration • Arthritis + Bone Spurs

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