[hermantheshocker]

Some of the stuff I work on doesn't make the cut so I thought about gathering them up in a single post. So basically it's images I have little or no info about or I've decided that they don't get their own thread, for example, because of low image/content quality, lack of backstory or additional info/knowledge, possibly uninteresting, only one image but not very special. I still do the usual image work including upscaling and color correction as needed, as I prefer to have my content high quality and educational.

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Case 1


Fig1.1 Bulging eyes, lips and face with protrusion of the tongue on this decomposing individual.

Note the bulging eyes, lips and face with protrusion of the tongue on this decomposing individual, all related to the decomposition process. No further info about this case.

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 putrescine, hydrogen sulfide and other sulfides, which generate a horrible smell.

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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Case 2


Fig2.1 Shotgun wound through the neck.

Contact-range discharge to the left side of the neck (12 G shotgun, homicide). (left image) Exit site on the right lateral neck. (right image) Entrance wound with longitudinal splitting laceration toward the angle of jaw and soot staining in the depth.

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Case 3


Fig3.1 Mummification can result in very hard, leathery skin.

Mummification occurs in hot, dry environments. The body dehydrates and bacterial proliferation may be minimal. The skin becomes dark, dried, and leathery. The process occurs readily in the fingers and toes in dry environments, regardless of the temperature. Most mummified bodies are found in the summer months or in hot, dry climates. Mummification can occur in the winter indoors, especially if the heat is turned up, creating a hot, low-humidity environment. It is possible for an entire body to mummify in only a few days to weeks in the right conditions. Once a body is in this state, it can remain preserved for many years.

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Case 4


Fig4.1 Adipocere can occur in warm, wet environments.

Adipocere, also known as corpse wax, grave wax or mortuary wax, is a wax-like organic substance formed by the anaerobic bacterial hydrolysis of fat in tissue, such as body fat in corpses.

Adipocere formation may occur in wet or immersed bodies. Adipocere is a yellow-brown, waxy material composed of long chain hydrocarbons such as oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. It is produced by the conversion of neutral lipids to these compounds as part of the putrefaction process. Both enzymes in the body and within bacteria contribute to the conversion of lipids present in the body to the components of adipocere.

Inadequate oxygen combined with a surplus of lipids results in insufficient microbial degradation. Adipocere has a characteristic appearance and is generally resistant to further decomposition. The formation of adipocere usually occurs over a somewhat lengthy postmortem period, typically several months. However, relatively rapid formation of adipocere has been described.

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Case 5


Fig5.1 Contact-range gunshot wound on the head.

This individual has a contact-range gunshot wound on the head. The head has been shaved around the wound. No further info. In contact gunshot wounds with bony tissue underlying the injury, the injuries are typically called a stellate wound, where the gases exit the barrel before the projectile. As a result, the gas collides with the bone tissue, resulting in the reflection of the gases. This gas causes the expansion of subcutaneous space and pressure, which results in an explosive injury, tearing, and lacerating the skin and subcutaneous tissue, resulting in the stellate wound. Additionally, the expanding gases also cause a back-splatter of soft-tissue and blood onto the firearm and fingers.

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Case 6

Attachment 1097537
Fig6.1 Fungal colonies growing on the face of a decomposing corpse.

Although putrefaction is a mainly anaerobic bacterial reduction process, decomposition is dominated by aerobic microbiological processes that may create pungent, rotten odours originating from the metabolic products of oxida*tion. Decomposition is a dry, acidic process on an oxida*tive basis, which leads to the splitting off of acids (carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid). At the beginning of decomposition, large patches of fungus may form on the skin and mucous membranes.

Fungi may colonize the body in every possible location and at all times during the postmortem interval. However, the eyes are more often affected by fungal colonization under dry conditions and the mouth and nose are more often colonized with fungi in moist to wet environments. Fungi may mimic antemortem pouring of chemical substances over the body.

Fungi can form distinctive mildew spots, ultimately converting bodies into moldy cadavers at the dry stage of decomposition. Heavily decomposed cadavers, in particular those that are highly mummified, often present visible fungal growth. Artificial cultivation has allowed for the morphological identification of the fungi that tend to colonize cadavers.

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Case 7


Fig7.1 This individual has a contact-range gunshot wound on the forehead.


Fig7.2 Gases exit the barrel before the projectile. As a result, the gas collides with bone tissue & causes expansion of the subcutaneous space with tearing & laceration of the skin.

This individual committed suicide by gunshot wound of the forehead. A large stellate contact entrance wound of the forehead with internal soot deposition, lacerations, and muzzle sight impression mark at the top.

In contact gunshot wounds with bony tissue underlying the injury, the injuries are typically called a stellate wound, where the gases exit the barrel before the projectile. As a result, the gas collides with the bone tissue, resulting in the reflection of the gases. This gas causes the expansion of subcutaneous space and pressure, which results in an explosive injury, tearing, and lacerating the skin and subcutaneous tissue, resulting in the stellate wound.

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Part 1 --- Part 2 --- Part 3 --- Part 4 --- Part 5 --- Part 6 --- Part 7 --- Part 8 --- Part 9 --- Part 10 --- Part 11 --- Part 12 --- Part 13 --- Part 14 --- Part 15 --- Part 16 --- Part 17 --- Part 18 --- Part 19 --- Part 20 --- Part 21 --- Part 22 --- Part 23 --- Part 24 --- Part 25 --- Part 26 --- Part 27 --- Part 28 --- Part 29 --- Part 30 --- Part 31 --- Part 32


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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.

[ride]

Your posts and content are always top-shelf, Herm.

[andell78]

Originally Posted by ride ↗

Your posts and content are always top-shelf, Herm.

100% agree and I always look forward to seeing them.

[Boondoggle]

I find it amusing that in case 4 they felt the need to put black bars over the eyes of a decomposing corpse.

[Padraig Flaherty]

[cardsharksam]

Great set once again

[Mr.NoCredit]

Thanks for all you do here.

[Pyramid_Head]

Damn, that shotgun through the neck is rough.

[Karma]

Thanks Herman.

[rambbb]

Always love the mixes! I remember case 6 from years ago