From the heart to skin and digestive system: This is what happens to the body after we die

When the body dies, it undergoes a series of rapid and irreversible changes that mark the transition from life to decomposition. These changes occur in stages, starting within minutes after the heart ceases to beat. Deprived of oxygen, the body’s organs and cells begin to break down, with certain tissues dying off faster than others.

According to Dr Geetu Malhotra, Director & HOD of Pathology at Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension, the process of decomposition begins almost immediately. Within minutes, brain cells, which are highly oxygen-dependent, start to die, typically within 3 to 7 minutes. The liver, being more resilient, can continue its metabolic functions for up to an hour after death. Blood begins to settle, leading to the discolouration of the body, known as livor mortis.

Within an hour after death, the skin loses colour and muscles lose flexibility. However, it is not until 2 to 6 hours post-mortem that rigor mortis, the stiffening of muscles, begins. This occurs due to the depletion of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which causes muscles to contract. The smaller muscles, like those in the eyelids and jaw, are affected first, while larger muscle groups become rigid later, reaching full stiffness by 12 hours. At the same time, digestive enzymes in the stomach start to break down tissues in a process called autolysis.

The eyes are unique because they may remain viable for up to 6 hours post-mortem, making corneal donation possible. However, the pupils dilate and become unresponsive almost immediately after death. These changes, along with the progressive breakdown of the body’s systems, mark the onset of decomposition, which will continue over the next several days.

According to Dr Geetu Malhotra, Director & HOD of Pathology at Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension, the process of decomposition begins almost immediately (file)

Timeline of changes after death:

Immediately After Death (Within Minutes):

1. Heart – Stops beating immediately.
2. Lungs – Stop breathing; oxygen supply to the body halts.
3. Brain – Brain cells die within 3 to 7 minutes due to lack of oxygen.
4. Blood – Begins to pool and settle due to the lack of circulation, leading to post-mortem discoloration (livor mortis).

Within 1 Hour:

1. Skin – Loses colour as blood drains and circulation ceases.
2. Muscles – Start to lose flexibility, but rigor mortis has not yet set in.
3. Liver – Ceases metabolic functions, though it can survive for up to an hour.

2 to 6 Hours After Death:

1. Eyes – The corneas may still be viable for up to 6 hours, though the pupils dilate and become unresponsive almost immediately.
2. Muscles – Begin to stiffen, starting the process of rigour mortis, particularly in smaller muscles like the eyelids and jaw.

6 to 12 Hours After Death:

1. Muscles – Full rigor mortis sets in, affecting larger muscles, such as limbs.
2. Digestive System – Autolysis (self-digestion) starts as digestive enzymes break down tissues in the stomach and intestines.

These changes vary based on external factors like temperature, body mass, and the cause of death, but they represent a general timeline of how the body responds to death in the early stages.

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