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Pathology and Additional Forensic Science Services

Pathology and Additional Forensic Science Services. Forensic Pathology. Investigation of sudden, unnatural, unexplained, or violent deaths by the medical examiner or coroner. The forensic pathologist attempts to find the answers to…. Who is the victim?. What injuries are present?.

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Pathology and Additional Forensic Science Services

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  1. Pathology and Additional Forensic Science Services

  2. Forensic Pathology Investigation of sudden, unnatural, unexplained, or violent deaths by the medical examiner or coroner.

  3. The forensic pathologist attempts to find the answers to… Who is the victim? What injuries are present? How, when, and why did the injuries occur?

  4. If forensic pathologist cannot determine the cause of death by observation, then an autopsy is preformed. Five categories for manner of death: Homicide Undetermined Accident Suicide Natural

  5. One of the most vital things the forensic pathologist must determine is TIME OF DEATH. WHY?

  6. Digestion levelof food in the stomach can provide additional information regarding time of death. Livor mortis Settling of blood into the parts of the body nearest the ground. Skin appears purple or blue in these areas. Can continue for up to 12 hours. Can indicate if the body has been moved since death occurred. Rigor mortis Right after death occurs, muscles first relax, then become rigid. The effect lasts up to 36 hours after death. Algor mortis The process by which the body slowly cools to match that of the ambient temperature. How is time of death determined? It has been found that as time passes following death, several measurable changes occur in the corpse that allow time of death to be estimated. It is important to note that all of these only provide ESTIMATES! Measurement of potassium levels in the vitreous humor of the eye. The amount decreases in a well measured way over time. * Most reliable method *

  7. Additional Forensic Sciences/Services Some of these may be provided as services in “some” crime labs. However they are not all relevant or useful in solving current crimes.

  8. Forensic Anthropology Identification and examination of human skeletal remains can reveal their origin, sex, approximate age, race, and skeletal injury. Can assist in facial reconstruction and identification of victims of mass disaster.

  9. Forensic Entomology Insectscan be used to estimate the time of death. Species of flies and beetles that thrive on dead bodies have very precise life cycles. Temperature, weather, and climate may influence their development.

  10. Forensic Odontology Identification of a victim by analyzing the mouth. Comparisons are made to records such as: treatment records, x-rays, casts, or even photos of the victim’s smile. This science is also of use to anthropologists studying ancient man.

  11. Forensic Psychiatry Deals mainly with “Competency to Stand Trial”and“Mental State at Time of Offense”. May also make sentencing recommendations or assist with profiling of serial killers.

  12. Forensic Engineering Provides failure analysis and accident reconstruction. Also concerned with source of fires and explosions

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