From Death to Decay : An Overview of Postmortem Changes

Background: The normal course of the body's disintegration after death, starting at the cellular level, is known as postmortem changes. The changes that start right after death last for a long time and happen to different organs at varying speeds. Many internal and external factors influence the start and severity of these changes. The rates are imprecise, vary across different geographic regions, and fluctuate seasonally within a single geographic location. One of the main goals of the forensic autopsy is to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI), or time since death, and understanding postmortem changes is crucial for this purpose. Aim: The current review provides a view of understanding postmortem changes, their classifications, their time of onset, their rate, and the factors influencing them. Conclusion: In summary, researchers have classified postmortem changes according to their order of appearance and they emphasize the value of understanding postmortem changes in the forensic field.