Identification & Thanatology

Topics in this chapter

• Human Identification Methods
• Anthropological Age and Stature Estimation
• Forensic Odontology
• Death Diagnosis and Brain Death
• Postmortem Changes and Interval
• Asphyxial Deaths

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-4BAEE4

   A 35-year-old male is brought to the emergency department in a state of deep coma following a severe head injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The attending physician notes complete unresponsiveness, absence of all brainstem reflexes, and apnea. To legally declare brain death, which of the following is an absolute prerequisite that must be confirmed before initiating apnea testing?

   1. A.Core body temperature must be greater than 32 degrees Celsius
   2. B.Systolic blood pressure must be maintained above 100 mmHg without vasopressors
   3. C.Electroencephalography (EEG) showing profound electrocerebral silence
   4. D.Absence of confounding metabolic disturbances or CNS-depressant drugs
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-91EBEA

   A decomposed body is recovered from a stagnant pond. Forensic examination reveals generalized slippage of the epidermis, brownish-red discoloration of the skin over the abdomen, and greenish discoloration of the anterior abdominal wall, particularly in the right iliac fossa. What is the cause of the greenish discoloration in the right iliac fossa?

   1. A.Reaction of hydrogen sulfide with hemoglobin to form sulfhemoglobin
   2. B.Oxidation of bilirubin to biliverdin by aerobic bacteria in the cecum
   3. C.Enzymatic breakdown of subcutaneous fat by pancreatic lipase
   4. D.Post-mortem lysis of erythrocytes releasing free iron into the tissue spaces
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-4694CF

   A forensic pathologist is estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) of a body found indoors in a temperate climate. Which of the following post-mortem changes follows the most reliable and predictable time-course during the first 24 hours after death?

   1. A.Algor mortis (cooling of the body)
   2. B.Rigor mortis (stiffening of muscles)
   3. C.Livor mortis (post-mortem hypostasis)
   4. D.Putrefaction and gas formation
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-5E6A51

   A skeletonized set of human remains is brought to the department for identification. Anthropological examination of the pelvis reveals a narrow greater sciatic notch, a subpubic angle of approximately 65 degrees, and a heart-shaped (android) pelvic inlet. These features are characteristic of which of the following?

   1. A.Adult female pelvis
   2. B.Adult male pelvis
   3. C.Juvenile female pelvis
   4. D.Juvenile male pelvis
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-ABC2FB

   During the examination of a body dead for approximately 18 hours, the forensic expert notes that the rigidity of the limbs can be easily overcome by passive manipulation, and upon release, the limbs do not return to their stiffened posture. However, when the muscles are forcibly flexed or extended, there is permanent structural tearing of the muscle fibers. What term best describes this phenomenon?

   1. A.Secondary flaccidity
   2. B.Cadrespasme (Instantaneous rigor)
   3. C.Rigor mortis breakdown by force
   4. D.Heat stiffening
   See the answer and solution