Algor mortis

Stages of death

1. Pallor mortis
2. Algor mortis
3. Rigor mortis
4. Livor mortis
5. Putrefaction
6. Decomposition
7. Skeletonization

Algor mortis (Latin: algor—coldness; mortis—of death), the second stage of death, is the change in body temperature post mortem, until the ambient temperature is matched. This is generally a steady decline, although if the ambient temperature is above the body temperature (such as in a hot desert), the change in temperature will be positive, as the (relatively) cooler body acclimates to the warmer environment. External factors can have a significant influence. Algor mortis also occurs when the body dies.

This was first used by DOWLER in 1849.

Applicability

An XY plot of the Glaister equation with values from 37 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius (a commonly used ambient temperature).

A measured rectal temperature can give some indication of the time of death. Although the heat conduction which leads to body cooling follows an exponential decay curve, it can be approximated as a linear process: 2° Celsius during the first hour and 1° Celsius per hour until the body nears ambient temperature.

The Glaister equation[1][2] estimates the hours elapsed since death as a linear function of the rectal temperature:

or

As decomposition occurs the internal body temperature tends to rise again.

Variability

Generally, temperature change is considered an inaccurate means of determining time of death, as the rate of change is affected by several key factors, including:[3]

References

  1. http://www.fmap.archives.gla.ac.uk/DC403/DC403_page.htm
  2. Guharaj, P. V. (2003). "Cooling of the body (algor mortis)". Forensic Medicine (2nd ed.). Hyderabad: Longman Orient. pp. 61–62.
  3. http://www.crimewatchcanada.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79:changes-to-a-body-after-death&catid=41:january-february-2010-issue-76&Itemid=53
  4. Kaliszan, M. (20 May 2005). "Verification of the exponential model of body temperature decrease after death in pigs". Experimental Physiology. 90 (5): 727–738. doi:10.1113/expphysiol.2005.030551.


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