corpses

A corpse is the body of a dead human or animal, left after death. In medical and forensic contexts the term cadaver may be used for a body that is used for study or education, while corpses refer more generally to bodies that remain after death. Management of a corpse is governed by legal, cultural, and religious practices.

Postmortem changes begin after death and progress over time. Algor mortis refers to cooling of the body toward ambient temperature, while rigor mortis is the temporary stiffening of muscles. Livor mortis is the settling of blood in dependent parts of the body, causing discoloration. Decomposition follows, starting with autolysis and microbial activity, leading to changes such as bloating, fluid release, tissue breakdown, and eventually skeletonization. The rate and pattern of decomposition depend on temperature, humidity, clothing, insect activity, and environmental conditions.

In forensic science, the examination of a corpse can establish identity, medical history, cause and manner of death, and time since death. Procedures may include an external examination, an autopsy, toxicology testing, and documentation. Forensic entomology uses insect life cycles to estimate the postmortem interval in some cases. Taphonomy studies how burial or exposure environments affect preservation.

Disposal and handling of corpses are subject to legal and cultural norms. Embalming preserves a body for viewing and delays decomposition; burial or cremation are common final dispositions. Bodies may also be donated to science. Throughout, ethical considerations emphasize respect, consent, and privacy in the treatment of the deceased.