Post-mortem interval

Post-mortem interval (PMI), pronounced /poʊstˈmɔːrtəm ˈɪntərvəl/, is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decomposition of the body.

Etymology

The term "post-mortem" is derived from the Latin words "post", meaning "after", and "mors", meaning "death". The term "interval" is derived from the Latin "intervallum", meaning "space between".

Related Terms

Forensic entomology: The study of insects in criminal investigations, often used to estimate the post-mortem interval.
Rigor mortis: A post-mortem change resulting in the stiffening of the body muscles.
Livor mortis: The gravitational pooling of blood in the body after death, can help determine post-mortem interval.
Algor mortis: The change in body temperature following death, can be used to estimate post-mortem interval.
Decomposition: The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic matter, a key process in determining post-mortem interval.
Autolysis: The destruction of cells or tissues by their own enzymes, often starts after death and affects the determination of post-mortem interval.
Putrefaction: The decomposition of body tissues, can be used to estimate post-mortem interval.