After death, blood circulation ceases. Gravity causes the blood to pool in the body's lower regions, a process called livor mortis. This pooling leads to discoloration of the skin. Simultaneously, damaged blood cells leak from broken vessels, contributing to further changes in the body's tissues. Purines, released from blood cells and other tissues, enter the extracellular fluid as decomposition progresses. Fibrinolytic activity also occurs in the blood post-mortem. In short, the blood's movement and composition undergo significant changes after death.
Post-Mortem Changes in Blood: A Detailed Look
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Livor Mortis: As stated in several sources ([Livor mortis: Circulation of blood...], [What happens to the body after death?], [Livor Mortis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics], [What Happens When You Die?]), the cessation of heart function leads to blood settling due to gravity. This results in discoloration (lividity) in the dependent areas of the body.
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Cell Damage and Leakage: Damaged blood cells release their contents into surrounding tissues ([What happens to our bodies after we die]). This process contributes to the overall decomposition of the body.
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Purine Release: As decomposition advances, purines from blood cells and other tissues are released into the extracellular fluid ([Biochemistry Changes That Occur after Death...]).
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Fibrinolytic Activity: The blood undergoes changes in fibrinolytic activity following death ([Fibrinolytic Activity of Human Blood after Death.]).
The Significance of Post-Mortem Blood Changes
Understanding these changes is crucial in forensic science for determining the time of death and other aspects of the death investigation. The discoloration from livor mortis can indicate the position of the body after death. The presence or absence of specific chemicals released from blood cells can also be valuable in forensic analysis.
