Forces & Fractures
In cases of multiple traumatic injuries, the sequence of blows can be estimated by tracing these.
Radiating fracture lines
This condition, caused by calcium or vitamin D deficiency during childhood, results in deformation of the bones, particularly the leg bones.
Rickets
This component of a firearm cartridge ignites the propellant.
Primer
Cocaine and nicotine represent examples of this chemical class of drug, which work to accelerate activity of the central nervous system.
Stimulant
The existence of this type of proliferative lesion indicates antemortem trauma.
Fracture callus
This type of accessory bone can be found embedded within the suture at the back of the skull.
Wormian bone
This term represents the amount of energy required for a fuel to spontaneously ignite.
Ignition temperature
Poisoning by this chemical causes a cherry red lividity pattern.
Carbon monoxide
Projectile exit wounds show this pattern of beveling.
Outward beveling
Pott’s Disease, which causes severe deformation and damage to the spinal column, is caused by this contagious bacterial infection.
Tuberculosis
This type of projectile wound occurs when a bullet hits the bone at an extremely acute angle.
Keyhole wound
This toxic chemical has a sweet taste, and is a common ingredient in antifreeze.
Ethylene glycol
This pattern of bone response, characterized by fracture lines, hinging, and sharp fracture edges, indicates perimortem trauma.
“Green bone response”
This is the most common type of proliferative pathological lesion, and is often seen on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine).
Osteophytes
This instrument, commonly used in arson and toxicology investigations, separates chemical compounds into their individual components.
Gas chromatograph
This biological sample, extracted from the eye, is particularly useful for postmortem drug testing.
Vitreous humor
This specific fracture of the radius (forearm) is caused by shearing force, and is most commonly seen in accidental injuries.
Colle’s Fracture
This lytic lesion, caused by low iron levels in the body (anemia), can be seen as pores on the upper border of the eye orbits.
Cribra orbitalia
This stance, also known as the “fighter’ stance,” occurs when the human body is severely burned.
Pugilistic stance
This screening test can be used to test for the presence of mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metal poisons.
Reinsch test