Cardinal Signs of Asphyxial Death
Asphyxial death is a death caused by lack of oxygen to the body. It is a type of trauma that can result from a variety of causes, including drowning, strangulation, hanging, choking, or due to a medical condition. The cardinal signs of asphyxial death are used to identify and assess the individual's cause of death.
Cyanosis is the first cardinal sign. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and nails due to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. This is caused by a reduced oxygen supply to the tissues, or a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
Petechiae are the second cardinal sign. Petechiae are tiny red dots on the skin caused by broken capillaries. They are usually caused by a lack of oxygen to the tissues or an increase in blood pressure.
Livor Mortis is the third cardinal sign. Livor mortis is a discoloration of the skin caused by the pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body due to gravity. It is caused by a lack of oxygen in the tissues, which causes the blood to become thicker and pool in the lower parts of the body.
Rigor Mortis is the fourth cardinal sign. Rigor mortis is the stiffening of the body due to death. It is caused by a lack of oxygen in the tissues, which causes the muscles to stiffen and become rigid.
Hypostasis is the fifth cardinal sign. Hypostasis is the pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body due to gravity. This is caused by a lack of oxygen to the tissues, which causes the blood to become thicker and pool in the lower parts of the body.
These five cardinal signs are used to identify and assess the individual's cause of death in cases of asphyxial death. By looking for these signs, a medical examiner can determine if the death was due to asphyxia.
