Skip to main content

An example of a body demonstrating relatively advanced decomposition, with bloating, skin discoloration, and abundant purge fluid.

The decomposition of the gastrointestinal tract results in a dark, foul-smelling liquid called “purge fluid” that is forced out of the nose and mouth due to gas pressure in the intestine. 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.

Fig.1 Advanced decomposition and purge fluid.

Latest posts

Fig.1 Stippling around an intermediate-range gunshot wound.

Stippling around an intermediate-range gunshot wound

| Gunshot | No Comments
The stippling around an intermediate-range gunshot wound will vary with the firearm and ammunition used. This is an…
Fig.1 A man’s body was found floating in the ocean.

A man’s body was found floating in the ocean

| Decomposition, Homicide | No Comments
A man’s body was found floating in the ocean approximately one-half mile offshore. A gaping head wound was…
Fig.1 Gunshot victim still retaining a loose hold of the weapon.

Gunshot victim still retaining a loose hold of the weapon

| Gunshot, Suicide | No Comments
Many well documented reviews of gunshot suicides show that the weapon is found to be still in the…
Fig.1 Decomposing individual.

Decomposing individual

| Decomposition | No Comments
Decomposition, or putrefaction, is a combination of two processes: autolysis and bacterial action. Autolysis is the breakdown of…