Postmortem Changes: Factors Influencing Decomposition
Constitutional and Pathological Influences on Postmortem Changes
Constitutional Factors
*Physical Constitution*
Obese individuals decompose faster than lean individuals.
*Age*
Putrefaction is more rapid in children and slower in the elderly, with adults experiencing an intermediate rate.
Pathological Influences
The evolution of putrefaction can be accelerated or delayed depending on pre-existing pathological conditions. Generally, the intensity of putrefaction correlates with its onset.
*Conditions Accelerating
Read MoreEssential Concepts in Molecular Biology and Cell Division
Key Terms
- Codon: The amino acid coding unit in DNA or messenger RNA. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, and the string of codons in mRNA specifies the order of amino acids in the encoded protein.
- Nucleic Acid: Naturally occurring chemical compound that is capable of being broken down to yield phosphoric acid, sugars, and a mixture of organic bases. The two main classes of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).
- Nucleotide: The basic building block of
Male and Female Reproductive Systems: Anatomy and Function
Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
- Structure: Peritoneum and tunica albuginea; ovarian cortex, medulla, follicles.
- Features: Produce and release eggs.
- Production:
- Estrogens (Graafian Follicle)
- Progesterone (Corpus luteum)
- Ovulation: Approximately 14 days after the Graafian follicle migrates to the surface, it opens and releases the egg into the abdominal cavity. The egg is actively taken up by the tube that carries it slowly into the uterus.
- The egg is either fertilized and implanted in the uterine lining
Muscular, Reproductive, and Digestive Systems: Functions and Organs
Muscular System: Functions and Purpose
Each muscle type in the muscular system has a specific purpose. You are able to walk because of your skeletal muscles. You can digest because of your smooth muscles. And your heart beats because of your cardiac muscle.
The different muscle types also work together to make these functions possible. For instance, when you run (skeletal muscles), your heart pumps harder (cardiac muscle), and causes you to breathe heavier (smooth muscles).
Reproductive System: Male
Read MoreHuman Body Systems: Digestion, Respiration, Circulation
The Digestive System
The digestive system is responsible for transforming food into simpler substances that can be used by the cells. It is made up of the digestive tract and digestive glands.
Digestive functions:
- Ingestion
- Digestion
- Absorption
- Egestion
Chewing is a mechanical action by which food is shredded. Insalivation is the process of wrapping food in saliva.
The Respiratory System
The respiratory system is responsible for taking oxygen from the air outside, taking it to the blood, and removing carbon
Read MoreCell Nucleus: Structure and Functions
The Cell Nucleus
The cell nucleus is the largest organelle of the eukaryotic cell. It is a small spherical or oval body and is usually placed in the center of the cell but can also be located in the periphery. Prokaryotic cells have no nuclear membrane, unlike eukaryotes, where it exists and also has the structures explained below:
Structure
In its structure, we can appreciate:
- Nuclear envelope
- Chromatin
- Nucleolus
Nuclear Envelope
This can include:
- Outer membrane: It is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum