Question

Essential Question: How does the temperature of the human body change after death?

Introduction: One of the first steps involved in a homicide investigation is the determination of the time of death.
While knowing the time of death is not crucial in each and every homicide case, it can be of significant
importance in some. Algor mortis deals with the change in temperature of the body after death. In most cases,
heat energy will escape the body gradually until the body reaches ambient/room temperature.
Graphing Algor Mortis Jasmine
Munivez
qth period
Task: Create a line graph that depicts the temperature change of an average human body until it reaches the
typical room temperature of 70.6°F. Before you create a line graph, you must calculate the temperature change
for each hour that passes. Record your data below.
Facts:
Normal body temperature (98.6°F) is maintained in the 1st hour following death.
After the 1st hour, body temperature drops 1.4° per hour (for the first 12 hours)
After 12 hours, body temperature drops by 0.7° per hour until ambient temperature is reached.
Time Post Mortem (hrs)
Body Temperature
Drop in temperature
New Temperature
DEATH
1
2
98.6°F
98.6°F
>
0
0
1
98.6°F
98.6°F
The Trendy Science Jeacher 201

Answer 1

After death, the temperature of the human body undergoes specific changes known as postmortem changes or the process of death. These changes include alterations in body temperature, among other physiological alterations.

How it works:

Here's a general outline of temperature changes after death:

1. Algor Mortis: Shortly after death, the body starts to lose heat. The body's temperature gradually approaches the temperature of the environment. This process is called algor mortis.

2. Livor Mortis (Lividity): Around 30 minutes to 2 hours after death, the blood settles in the lower parts of the body due to gravity, causing discoloration or reddish-purple skin in those areas. This is known as livor mortis.

3. Rigor Mortis: Rigor mortis is the stiffening of muscles that occurs several hours after death. It begins around 2-6 hours after death, peaks at around 12-24 hours, and gradually resolves over the following 1-2 days.

4. Decomposition: As the body's cells and tissues break down, microbial activity increases, and the body undergoes further changes. This stage involves the release of gases, foul odor, and extensive tissue breakdown.