Handbook of Forensic Pathology

Written by renowned experts in the field, the Handbook of Forensic Pathology provides an accessible treatment of the subject matter. It presents the many varied aspects of forensic pathology and includes core principles in many areas of the discipline. It provides this information in a straightforward and user-friendly manner, allowing for rapid understanding and assimilation. The broad range of topics covered in the handbook include blunt force injuries, gunshot wounds, deaths associated with starvation, pregnancy, electrocution, causes of sudden natural death in infants, children, and adults, forensic toxicology, and the components of autopsy reports. The book features these and other topics in concise, informative outlines that contain bolded key words and phrases, allowing the reader quick, at-a-glance access to the information needed. Authoritative and complete, the Handbook of Forensic Pathology is the one resource to have at the scene and beyond - at all times.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION TO MEDICOLEGAL CASE WORK Five Categories of Medicolegal Cases Cause, Mechanism, and Manner of Death The Forensic Autopsy versus an External Examination Three Steps of Medicolegal Death Investigation Handling of Bodies at the Scene Handling of Bodies from a Hospital Handling of Bodies from the Morgue Identification of Bodies THE AUTOPSY REPORT The External Examination Evidence of Injury Internal Examination Microscopic Examination Toxicology Findings Opinion PHYSICAL EVIDENCE Types of Physical Evidence Preservation of Physical Evidence on the Body Recovery of Physical Evidence Procedures for Collection of Biological Evidence Procedures for Collection of Nonbiological Physical Evidence DNA Analysis TIME OF DEATH-DECOMPOSITION Factors Used in Estimating Time of Death Decomposition IDENTIFICATION OF REMAINS Intact, Nondecomposed Human Remains Decomposed or Charred, Nonskeletonized Human Remains Skeletonized Human Remains Samples or Items Collected before Release of Unidentified Body NATURAL DISEASE Causes of Sudden Natural Death in Adults Cardiovascular Disease Causes of Sudden Natural Death in Infants and Young Children BLUNT FORCE INJURY Definition Abrasions Contusions Lacerations Combination Injuries Blunt Force Injury to the Chest (Thorax) Blunt Force Injury to the Abdomen Blunt Force Injury to the Genitalia Skeletal Fractures Due to Blunt Force Trauma Extremity Injuries Due to Blunt Force Head Injuries Caused by Blunt Force Trauma Neck Injuries Caused by Blunt Force Trauma WOUNDS PRODUCED BY POINTED, SHARP-EDGED, AND CHOPPING IMPLEMENTS Stab Wounds Incised Wounds Chop Wounds GUNSHOT WOUNDS Types of Small Arms Firearms Caliber Ammunition Ballistic Comparison of Bullets Theory of Wounding Gunshot Wounds Centerfire Rifle Wounds Microscopic Examination of Gunshot Wounds The Effects of Intermediary Targets Ricochet Bullets Shotguns Wounds of Bone Caliber Determination by Size of Entrance Wounds Perforation of Skin and Bone Miscellaneous Suicide General Firearm Terminology ASPHYXIA Suffocation Strangulation Chemical Asphyxiants Neck Holds DEATHS DURING ARREST AND IN POLICE CUSTODY Deaths Occurring During an Arrest Hog-Tying of Violent Suspects Choke Hold Related Deaths Deaths Occurring in Jails MURDER OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN Statistics Neo-Naticide Deaths in the First Two Years of Life Battered Child Syndrome Impulse Homicides Gentle Homicide Shaken Baby Syndrome SEXUALLY RELATED HOMICIDE Rape Homicides Homosexually Related Homicides Evidence of Chronic Anal Intercourse FIRE AND THERMAL INJURIES Classification of Burns and According to Depth of Injury Burn Severity Factors Documentation of Extent and Pattern of Burn Burn Survivability Clothing and Burns Six Categories of Burns Death Due to Burn Injury (Immediate or Delayed) Charred Bodies Classification of Fire Deaths Antemortem versus Postmortem Burns TRANSPORTATION DEATHS Motor Vehicle Deaths Pedestrian Deaths Motorcycle Deaths Bicycle (pedal-cycle) Injuries Aviation Related Injuries and Death ENVIRONMENTAL DEATHS Drowning Hyperthermia Hypothermia Lightning ELECTROCUTION Ohm's Law Factors Determining Severity of Electrical Injury Low Voltage versus High Voltage Deaths Resistance and Current Flow Current Flow through Body Electrocution and Loss of Consciousness Electrical Burns of the Skin Suicidal Electrocution Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) Investigation of Suspected Electrocutions Third Rail Electrocutions Electrical Shock and Pregnancy Stun Guns Judicial Electrocutions DEATHS DUE TO STARVATION Malnutrition, Starvation Deaths in General Nutrition and Body Weight Physical Manifestations of Starvation Dehydration Deaths DEATHS IN ASSOCIATION WITH PREGNANCY Deaths Secondary to Complications of Pregnancy Abortion Related Deaths INTRAOPERATIVE DEATHS Deaths Due to Underlying Disease Disruption of a Vital Organ During a Procedure Air Embolism Occurring During Surgery Anesthetic Related Deaths Cause of Death Cannot be Ascertained FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY Forensic Toxicology Tissues to be Collected Collection of Materials Routine Testing Drug Screens in Medical Examiner's Offices Methods of Analysis INDEX