When a person dies, the blood remains within the body. Because the heart stops pumping, it no longer circulates. Gravity then causes the blood to pool in the lowest parts of the body, a process called livor mortis.
Understanding Livor Mortis
Livor mortis, also known as postmortem lividity or hypostasis, is a key factor in determining time of death. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Cause: The absence of blood circulation after death combined with gravity.
- Process: Blood settles into the capillaries and small blood vessels of the dependent (lowest) parts of the body.
- Appearance: This pooling causes a reddish-purple discoloration of the skin. The intensity of the discoloration increases over time.
- Timing: Livor mortis typically begins within 30 minutes to 2 hours after death, becomes fixed (doesn't blanch when pressed) after 8-12 hours, and is usually maximal within 12-24 hours.
- Factors Affecting Livor Mortis: Several factors can affect the appearance and timing of livor mortis, including:
- Body position: The areas where blood pools will depend on the position of the body after death.
- Temperature: Cooler temperatures can slow down the process.
- Blood volume: Individuals with less blood volume may have less pronounced livor mortis.
- Skin pigmentation: Livor mortis may be harder to see on individuals with darker skin tones.
What Happens Inside the Body?
Besides pooling, the blood doesn't simply vanish or escape the body in a typical death. It remains within the circulatory system. Over time, the blood will decompose along with the rest of the body's tissues.
In Summary
The blood stays inside the body after death, primarily pooling in the lower regions due to gravity, resulting in the discoloration known as livor mortis. The blood eventually decomposes along with the rest of the body.
