The Ten Stages Of Your Death

Summary

This video delves into the stages of death, starting from the moment of dying to the final stages of decomposition. It explores the physiological changes the body undergoes, such as the loss of ability to cough and swallow, the onset of rigor mortis, and the release of purge fluids. The script further explains the process of decomposition, highlighting the role of bacteria and the bloating and liquefaction of the body. The cycle concludes with the skin falling away from the bones as insects aid in the process, marking the end of the body's life cycle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Death begins when your body starts dying, losing the ability to cough and swallow. Fluid and mucus accumulate in the lungs, producing the death rattle.
• 😀 Once the heart stops, blood begins to coagulate, and without oxygen, organs start to fail. This is when you are clinically deceased.
• 😀 As blood pools in your body, your skin turns a bluish-red color, marking the stage of livor mortis.
• 😀 With no ATP, your cells begin to break down, leading to cell death across your body.
• 😀 Rigor mortis sets in 1 to 3 hours after death, causing muscle stiffness and potential moans or squeaks from the corpse.
• 😀 The body emits purging fluids, which are reddish-brown in color, often mistaken for blood, as part of the decomposition process.
• 😀 Putrefaction occurs when enzymes break down body cells, and bacteria like cadaverine and putrescine cause bloating.
• 😀 Decomposition continues, with fluids and gases released as bacteria feast on the body.
• 😀 Despite common belief, hair and nails don’t grow after death; instead, skin tightens due to dehydration, creating the appearance of growth.
• 😀 In the final stages, the skin liquefies and falls away from the bones, aided by internal gases and insects feeding on the corpse.

Q & A

What happens immediately after you begin dying?

When you begin dying, you quickly lose the ability to cough and swallow. As a result, fluid and mucus accumulate in your lungs, leading to a gargling sound known as the 'death rattle'.

What marks the official moment of death?

Death is officially marked when the heart stops beating, and breathing ceases. Without oxygen, the organs begin to shut down, and the body is considered clinically deceased.

What is livor mortis, and what causes it?

Livor mortis occurs when the heart stops pumping blood, causing it to pool in certain areas of the body. This results in a bluish-red discoloration of the skin.

How do cells begin to die after death?

After death, the mitochondria in cells stop producing ATP, which is essential for cell function. Without ATP, the cells begin to die, leading to a process known as cell death.

What is rigor mortis and when does it set in?

Rigor mortis is the stiffening of muscles after death, which typically begins within one to three hours. It affects all muscles, including the vocal cords, which may cause the corpse to moan or squeak.

What is purge fluid, and where does it come from?

Purge fluid is a reddish-brown fluid that comes from the nasal and oral cavities after death. It is often mistaken for blood but is actually a result of the body purging decomposition fluids.

What is putrefaction, and how does it affect the body?

Putrefaction is the breakdown of cells that occurs after death. Without ATP to sustain them, the cells begin to decompose, releasing enzymes that help dismantle waste material and lead to body decomposition.

How do bacteria contribute to the decomposition process?

Bacteria, such as cadaverine and putrescine, break down the body after death. These bacteria feed on the decomposing body, causing it to bloat and further decompose.

Do hair and nails continue to grow after death?

Contrary to popular belief, hair and nails do not continue to grow after death. However, the skin may retract due to dehydration, giving the illusion of growth.

What happens in the final stages of decomposition?

In the final stages of decomposition, the skin liquefies and falls off the bones. This is caused by the release of internal gases and by insects that help in breaking down the body.