Temperature

• What is the core body temperature range for humans?

  36.2-37.6 ˚C
• How is human body temperature maintained?

  Through thermoregulation mechanisms in the body
• How can body temperature help determine time of death?

  It cools predictably after death
• How does moving air affect the estimated time of death?

  It speeds up heat loss, making time longer
• How does temperature affect the rate of rigor mortis?

  High temperature accelerates rigor, cold slows it
• How does body temperature help estimate time of death?

  It cools at a predictable rate post-mortem
• What is the initial temperature plateau after death?

  Lasts for about 30-60 minutes
• What factors affect post-mortem cooling?

  Body size, position, clothing, air movement
• How does humidity affect post-mortem cooling?

  High humidity slows cooling, low speeds it
• What is the significance of the sigmoid curve in cooling?

  It describes the cooling rate of a body
• Why might body temperature measurement be less useful in tropical climates?

  Because ambient temperatures are higher
• How does the cooling curve change after 24 hours post-mortem?

  Cooling plateaus, making temperature less useful
• What is the effect of high environmental temperature on rigor mortis?

  It accelerates the onset of rigor mortis
• What is the effect of high humidity on post-mortem cooling?

  It slows down the cooling process
• How does the temperature range of 21-37 degrees Celsius affect decomposition?

  It accelerates the decomposition process
• How does the cooling curve change after death?

  It follows a sigmoid pattern initially
• What is the effect of high internal temperature on rigor mortis?

  It accelerates the onset of rigor mortis