Putrefaction

Putrefaction is the fifth stage of death, following pallor mortis, algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis. This process references the breakdown of a body of a dead animal by microorganisms such as bacteria. The process results in a foul smell caused by the end products of the breakdown process. These end products include gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.

Overview

Putrefaction is a key process in decomposition of organic matter. The process involves the breaking down of the proteins, and the destruction of the soft tissues in the body to leave behind harder tissues. The process is facilitated by the activities of anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in the conditions that exist after death.

Process

The process of putrefaction starts immediately after death. The bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract start breaking down the tissues of the body. The process is faster in warm conditions and slower in cold conditions. The process results in the production of gases that cause the body to bloat. The gases produced also cause a foul smell.

Stages

The stages of putrefaction include:

• Bloat: The body bloats due to the gases produced by the bacteria. The body may double in size during this stage.
• Active Decay: The body starts to lose mass. The tissues soften and the body starts to collapse.
• Advanced Decay: The rate of decay slows down. The body starts to dry out.
• Dry Decay: The body is reduced to skin, cartilage, and bones.

Factors affecting putrefaction

Several factors affect the rate of putrefaction. These include:

• Temperature: The process is faster in warm conditions and slower in cold conditions.
• Access by decomposers: The process is faster if the body is accessible to decomposers such as insects and scavengers.
• Burial: The process is slower if the body is buried, especially if it is buried deeply.

See also

• Decomposition
• Autolysis
• Cadaverine
• Necrosis

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