CFC Forensic Pathology & Cause of Death Flashcards
6 cards from real CFC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CFC Forensic Pathology & Cause of Death flashcards as text
Which term describes the manner of death when a person dies as a result of another person's intentional act?
Answer: Homicide
Homicide is the manner of death classification used when one person causes the death of another, regardless of intent.
What is the term for the stiffening of muscles that occurs after death?
Answer: Rigor mortis
Rigor mortis is the temporary stiffening of muscles after death caused by chemical changes in the muscle tissue.
Livor mortis is most useful to a forensic consultant because it can help determine:
Answer: Whether the body was moved after death
Livor mortis (pooling of blood) fixes in position after about 8–12 hours, so inconsistency with the body's final position indicates it was moved.
Which autopsy finding would most strongly indicate asphyxiation as the cause of death?
Answer: Petechial hemorrhages in the eyes
Petechial hemorrhages (tiny burst blood vessels) in the conjunctivae and sclera are classic indicators of asphyxiation or strangulation.
A forensic pathologist conducting an external examination of a body would look for 'defense wounds' primarily on the:
Answer: Forearms and hands
Defense wounds typically appear on the forearms, hands, and palms as a victim raises their arms to block or deflect an attack.
Algor mortis refers to which postmortem change?
Answer: Body cooling after death
Algor mortis is the gradual cooling of the body after death toward ambient temperature, used to help estimate time of death.