What are the four stages of death recognized in forensic pathology?

The four stages of death recognized in forensic pathology include pallor mortis, rigor mortis, livor mortis, and decomposition.

Pallor mortis refers to the paleness that occurs after death due to the loss of blood circulation. This stage happens shortly after death and can provide clues about the time frame in which death occurred.

Rigor mortis is the stiffening of the muscles that occurs after death, typically starting a few hours post-mortem and can last for several hours to days, depending on environmental factors and the individual's physiology.

Livor mortis, also known as post-mortem hypostasis, is the settling of blood in the lowest parts of the body due to gravity, causing discoloration of the skin. This process begins in the first few hours after death and can help determine the position of the body at the time of death.

Decomposition, the final stage, involves the breakdown of body tissues by bacteria and environmental factors and is a critical process reflecting the timeline of body deterioration.

These stages are essential for forensic pathologists to determine time of death and other critical aspects connected to a death investigation. The inclusion of all four stages accurately encapsulates the physiological changes that occur post-mortem, making this