The Changes in the Body After Death: A Timeline of Decomposition

When a person dies, the body experiences rapid and irreversible changes that signal the transition from life to decomposition. These changes unfold in stages, beginning just minutes after the heart stops beating. Without oxygen, the body’s organs and cells start to break down, with some tissues deteriorating more quickly than others.

Dr. Geetu Malhotra, Director and HOD of Pathology at Yatharth Hospital in Noida Extension, explains that decomposition begins almost immediately after death. Brain cells, which are highly reliant on oxygen, typically begin to die within 3 to 7 minutes. The liver is more resilient, maintaining some metabolic functions for up to an hour. As blood circulation ceases, it pools in certain areas, resulting in a condition known as livor mortis, which causes visible discoloration of the skin.

Timeline of Changes After Death:

Immediately After Death (Within Minutes):

• Heart: Stops beating immediately.
• Lungs: Breathing ceases; oxygen supply is halted.
• Brain: Brain cells start to die within 3 to 7 minutes due to lack of oxygen.
• Blood: Begins to pool, leading to post-mortem discoloration.

Within 1 Hour:

• Skin: Loses color as blood drains and circulation stops.
• Muscles: Start to lose flexibility; rigor mortis has not yet begun.
• Liver: Ceases metabolic functions, but can last up to an hour.

2 to 6 Hours After Death:

• Eyes: Corneas may remain viable for up to 6 hours, although pupils dilate and become unresponsive almost immediately.
• Muscles: Begin to stiffen as rigor mortis sets in, starting with smaller muscles like those in the eyelids and jaw.

6 to 12 Hours After Death:

• Muscles: Full rigor mortis develops, affecting larger muscle groups, including limbs.
• Digestive System: Autolysis (self-digestion) begins, as digestive enzymes start breaking down tissues in the stomach and intestines.

These changes can vary based on factors such as temperature, body mass, and the cause of death, but they provide a general overview of how the body responds in the early stages following death. The progressive breakdown of bodily systems marks the onset of decomposition, which continues over the following days.