Principles of Forensic Pathology Flashcards
7 cards from real ABFM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Principles of Forensic Pathology flashcards as text
Which pattern of lividity (livor mortis) would suggest a body was moved after death?
Answer: Lividity on the anterior surface of a body found face-up
When lividity does not correspond to the position in which the body was found, it indicates the body was repositioned after lividity fixed (typically 8–12 hours post-mortem).
A forensic pathologist identifies petechial hemorrhages in the conjunctivae of a homicide victim. What mechanism is most commonly associated with this finding?
Answer: Asphyxia causing elevated venous pressure
Conjunctival petechiae result from rupture of small vessels due to increased intravascular pressure during asphyxia, particularly in compression of the neck.
In a suspected drowning case, which autopsy finding most specifically supports immersion as the cause of death rather than submersion of an already-dead body?
Answer: Presence of diatoms in bone marrow
Diatoms reaching bone marrow require active circulation at the time of water inhalation, making marrow diatom presence a strong indicator of drowning as the cause of death.
What is the significance of 'defense wounds' in a forensic autopsy?
Answer: They suggest the victim was conscious and attempted to ward off an attack
Defense wounds, typically on the forearms, hands, or ulnar aspects of the arms, indicate the victim was alert and actively trying to protect themselves from an assault.
A toxicology report shows a blood ethanol concentration of 0.30 g/dL in a decedent. Which post-mortem artifact must be considered when interpreting this result?
Answer: Putrefaction can produce endogenous ethanol, falsely elevating levels
Bacterial fermentation during putrefaction can generate endogenous ethanol, potentially elevating measured blood alcohol levels above what was present at the time of death.
Which wound characteristic best differentiates an entrance gunshot wound from an exit gunshot wound?
Answer: Entrance wounds typically have an abrasion collar; exit wounds typically do not
The abrasion collar (marginal abrasion) around an entrance wound results from the bullet abrading the skin as it passes through, a feature not present at exit wounds.
In forensic pathology, what does the term 'manner of death' refer to?
Answer: The classification of death as natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined
Manner of death is a medicolegal classification (natural, accident, suicide, homicide, undetermined) that differs from cause of death, which is the specific injury or disease responsible.