1.2.2 Time Of Death

Question: Physiological Time of Death

Answer: The point at which the deceased’s body - including vital organs - ceased to function.

Question: Estimated Time of Death

Answer: The time the medical examiner estimates that the death occurred.

Question: Legal Time of Death

Answer: The time of death recorded on the death certificate; based on when the body was found or physically pronounced dead.

Question: Algor Mortis

Answer: The change in body temperature

following death. The body temperature

will steadily decline until it matches

the temperature of the surrounding

environment; external factors can

affect the rate of cooling.

Question: Rigor Mortis

Answer: Stiffness of joints and muscles that sets in several hours after death.

Question: Livor Mortis

Answer: The pooling of the blood in tissues after death resulting in a purplish red discoloration of the skin; also referred to as lividity.

Question: Cornea

Answer: The clear tissue that covers the front of the eye.

Question: Dr. William Bass

Answer: Professional that founded the first “body farm” at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Question: Body Farm

Answer: A research facility where human decomposition can be studied in a variety of settings.

Question: Scene Markers

Answer: Clues left at a scene that establish a timeline. These may include dated texts, emails, or mail, a broken clock, or even dishes in the sink.