What happens to the body after 60-72 hours post-mortem?

What happens to the body after 60-72 hours post-mortem?

• A. The body begins to harden
• B. The body experiences bloating and purging
• C. The body starts undergoing mummification
• D. Skin discolors to a uniform color

Answer: (B)

After 60-72 hours post-mortem, the body typically goes through significant changes due to the process of decomposition. During this timeframe, bloating occurs as gases produced by bacteria in the intestines and surrounding tissues accumulate due to the breakdown of organic material. This buildup of gas can cause the abdomen to swell and lead to the release of fluids, resulting in purging, where these fluids may escape from natural openings of the body. The other processes mentioned in the other choices do not accurately characterize the key changes that occur during this specific time frame. Hardening typically begins earlier in the decomposition process related to rigor mortis, while mummification is a process that occurs under very specific environmental conditions over a much longer period. Skin discoloration can happen, but it does not reach the level of uniform color until further along in decomposition. Overall, the occurrence of bloating and purging is a distinct and observable stage in the decomposition process, making it the correct choice for what happens to the body 60-72 hours post-mortem.

After 60-72 hours post-mortem, the body typically goes through significant changes due to the process of decomposition. During this timeframe, bloating occurs as gases produced by bacteria in the intestines and surrounding tissues accumulate due to the breakdown of organic material. This buildup of gas can cause the abdomen to swell and lead to the release of fluids, resulting in purging, where these fluids may escape from natural openings of the body.

The other processes mentioned in the other choices do not accurately characterize the key changes that occur during this specific time frame. Hardening typically begins earlier in the decomposition process related to rigor mortis, while mummification is a process that occurs under very specific environmental conditions over a much longer period. Skin discoloration can happen, but it does not reach the level of uniform color until further along in decomposition.

Overall, the occurrence of bloating and purging is a distinct and observable stage in the decomposition process, making it the correct choice for what happens to the body 60-72 hours post-mortem.