[hermantheshocker]

Decomposition, or putrefaction, is a combination of two processes: autolysis and bacterial action. Autolysis is the breakdown of cells and organs through an aseptic chemical process caused by intracellular enzymes. Because it is a chemical process, it is accelerated by heat, slowed by cold, and stopped by freezing. Bacterial action results in the conversion of soft tissues in the body to liquids and gases. The chemicals produced as a result of putrefaction are cadaverine and butyl mercaptides as well as hydrogen sulfide and other sulfides, which generate a horrible smell.


Fig.1 Note the bloating and peeling of skin. This body was indoors with the windows closed and not subject to insect infestation. Small blisters filled with nutrient-rich fluid begin appearing on internal organs and the skin’s surface. The body will appear to have a sheen due to ruptured blisters, and the skin’s top layer will begin to loosen. (Courtesy of DiMaio D.J., M.D., former chief medical examiner, City of New York.) No further backstory given.

Putrefaction begins immediately upon death and usually becomes noticeable within 24 hours. As soon as death occurs, the bacteria or microorganisms within the intestinal tract escape from the bowel into the other tissues of the body. As they grow, they begin to produce gases and other properties that distort and discolor the tissues of the body.

The discoloration is a dark greenish combination of colors and is generally pronounced within 36 hours. As a result, the body begins to swell from the putrefactive gases, emitting an extremely repugnant odor. The rate of decomposition depends on the temperature, ground conditions, amount of clothing, size of the body, etc. For example, a body in a warm climate will not only encourage insect attack from the outside, but will also increase the interior bacteria development and subsequent tissue attack from within. As the tissues inside are destroyed and enzymes released, the gases formed emit a foul and sickening smell.

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This post is for educational purposes only and is nonprofit. Under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. OP is not a medical expert. No copyright infringement intended. This post does not encourage or glorify violence/harassment. Images might have been upscaled and enhanced. Text might have been shortened and simplified/reorganized for online view. Geberth V.J., DiMaio D.J. - CRC Press / Wikipedia.

[philovan]

That one might even give pause to Andersveg.

[northernlights]

Thanks again Hermann for another great post for everyone. I particularly like the use of the word "cadaverine". A new one for me.
Picture the band "Bush"using that word in place of "Glycerine" :

It must be your skin, I'm sinkin' in
It must be for real, 'cause now I can feel
And I didn't mind, it's not my kind
It's not my time, to wonder why
Everything gone white, everything's grey
Now you're here, now you're away
I don't want this, remember that
I'll never forget, where you're at
Don't let the days go by
Cadaverine, cadaverine

[hermantheshocker]

Originally Posted by northernlights ↗

Thanks again Hermann for another great post for everyone. I particularly like the use of the word "cadaverine". A new one for me.
Picture the band "Bush"using that word in place of "Glycerine" :

It must be your skin, I'm sinkin' in
It must be for real, 'cause now I can feel
And I didn't mind, it's not my kind
It's not my time, to wonder why
Everything gone white, everything's grey
Now you're here, now you're away
I don't want this, remember that
I'll never forget, where you're at
Don't let the days go by
Cadaverine, cadaverine

Then there's its cousin Putrescine
Cadaverine and Putrescine sounds so made-up but are 100% real.

Putrescine is an organic compound with the formula NH2(CH2)4NH2. A colorless liquid, it is related to cadaverine; both are produced by the breakdown of amino acids.

[Budd Dwyer]

It was informative even after decades of gore browsing

[Moloko]

They have fabulous hair.

[Karma]

Looks a bit like Marilyn Monroe in a sick way.

[goodguy777]

Dr. Dominick DiMaio - served as CME of NYC-1974 to 1978.
My wife knew him as uncle D when she was a kid.
Not her real uncles but family friend.

[redrum217]

Haven't logged on in a while so I'm late to seeing your posts. They're incredible! Love all the info you're providing. :)