Decomposition of the Human Body

Overview

• The human body comprises over 200 bones, trillions of microbes, and approximately 37 trillion cells.
• Post-mortem, although the self is gone, the body's decomposition process continues over time.

Initial Changes After Death

• Brain and Oxygen:

  • Minutes after death, the brain starts to deteriorate due to halted blood flow and lack of oxygen.
  • Cells, being 70% water, self-destruct without oxygen, releasing fluids.

• Microbial Activity:

  • The immune system fails, allowing microbes to escape and spread throughout the body.
  • They move from intestines to liver and gallbladder, releasing bile and causing yellow-green staining.

Days 2-4

• Microbial Spread:
  • Microbes proliferate, releasing toxic gases like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
  • These gases cause the body to bloat and emit a foul smell.

Months 3-4

• Blood Vessel Deterioration:
  • Blood vessels deteriorate, causing iron oxidation and a color change to brownish-black.
  • Molecular structures break down, leading to tissue collapse into mush.

Over a Year

• Clothing Breakdown:
  • Acidic body fluids and toxins break down cotton clothes, leaving only nylon seams intact.

Decade Later

• Chemical Reactions:
  • Moist, low-oxygen environments convert body fat in thighs and buttocks into grave wax.
  • Dry conditions can lead to natural mummification as water evaporates from skin.

50 Years In

• Tissue Disappearance:
  • Tissues become liquefied and vanish, leaving mummified skin and tendons.

80 Years In

• Bone Deterioration:
  • Collagen in bones deteriorates, causing brittleness and eventual cracking.

100 Years In

• Final Remains:
  • Only teeth, grave wax, and nylon threads remain as the last bones disintegrate into dust.