Abortion - is the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion
To determine whether any medical diagnosis and treatment
from the uterus of a fetus or embryo before viability.
Algor mortis (Latin: algor - coldness; mortis - death) is the reduction
in body temperature following death.
Rigor mortis (Latin: rigor - stiffness, mortis - death") is one
of the recognizable signs of death, caused by chemical changes
in the muscles after death, causing the limbs of the corpse to
become stiff and difficult to move or manipulate.
Importance Of Rigor Mortis
- Rigor mortis is utilized to approximate the time of death.
Generalized muscular contractionsoccur from 3 to 6 hours
until 36 hours.
Autopsy - a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or
the extent of disease. Autopsy is derived from the Greek word
"autos" - oneself and "opsis" - sight/view.
Who are authorized to perform autopsy
1. Health officers
2. Medical officer of law enforcement agencies
3. Members of the medical staff of accredited hospitals
When Autopsy performed
1. Written request of nearest kin to ascertain cause of death
2. Order of competent court, mayor, prosecutor
3. Written request of a law enforcement officer
4. When required by special law
5. Solgen, prosecutor to determine cause of death
Principal Aim Of An Autopsy
1. To determine the cause of death
2. To determine the state of health of the person before he or
she died,
3.
before death was appropriate.
Types of Autopsies
1. Medico-Legal Autopsy or Forensic or coroner's - autopsies
seek to find the cause and manner of death and to identify
the decedent.
2. Clinical or Pathological autopsies are performed to diagnose
a particular disease or for research purposes.
3. Anatomical or Academic Autopsies - are performed by students
of anatomy for study purpose only.
4. Virtual or Medical Imaging Autopsies - are performed utilizing
imaging technology only, primarily magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
Forensic Autopsy - is used to determine the cause and manner
of death.
Anatomy - the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure
of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed
by dissection and the separation of parts.
Biochemistry - the branch of science concerned with the chemical and
physico-chemical processes and substances which occur within living
organisms.
Cadaveric Spasm - also known as postmortem spasm, instantaneous rigor,
cataleptic rigidity, or instantaneous rigidity, is a rare form of
muscular stiffening that occurs at the moment of death, persists
into the period of rigor mortis and can be mistaken for rigor mortis.
Cadaveric spasm occurs immediately after death and is useful
to ascertain the circumstances of death.
Cerebral Concussion there is a brief loss of consciousness and
sometimes memory after ahead injury that doesnt cause obvious
1
physical damage. stop or become very slow for a period of time while a person
or animal is unconscious.
Cerebral Contusion they are bruises to the brain, usually caused by
a direct, strong blow to the head. They are more serious than Leading Causes of Death In The World
concussions. 1. Ischaemic heart disease
2. Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases)
Circulatory System - also called the cardiovascular system, is an 3. Lower respiratory infections
organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients 4. Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
(such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide,
hormones, and blood cells to and from cells in the body to nourish Signs Of Death
it and help to fight diseases, stabilize body temperature and pH, and 1. Cessation of heart action and circulation
to maintain homeostasis. 2. Cessation of respiration
3. Cooling of the body (Algor Mortis) - The temperature of
Contempt of Court - any willful disobedience to or disregard of a 1520 degrees Fahrenheit is considered as ascertain sign of
court order or any misconduct in the presence of a court action that death.
interferes with a judge's ability to administer justice or that 4. Loss of motor power
insults the dignity of the court. Punishable by fine or imprisonment 5. Loss of sensory power
or both. 6. Changes in the skin
7. Changes in and about the eye - There is loss of corneal reflex
Contusion - also called a bruise, is a type of hematoma of tissue in
which capillaries and sometimes venules are damaged by trauma, Declaration of Tokyo - is a set of international guidelines for
allowing blood to seep, hemorrhage, or extravasate into the surrounding physicians concerning torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading
interstitial tissues. treatment or punishment in relation to detention and imprisonment,
which was adopted in October 1975 during the 29th General assembly
Death - Complete cessation of all cardio- pulmonary (heart-lungs) of the World Medical Association.
and/or cessation of brain activity.
Death is the termination of all biological functions that sustain a Defloration - is the laceration or rupture of the hymen as a result
living organism. of sexual intercourse.

Kinds of Death
1. Somatic or Clinical Death - permanent cessation of all vital
bodily functions.
2. Molecular or Cellular Death - refers to the death of cells.
3 to 6 hours after cessation of life.
3. Apparent death or State of Suspended Animation - a state in
which the processes of the body (such as blood circulation)
Dermis - the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis which
forms the true skin, containing blood capillaries, nerve endings,
sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.
Digestive System - digestive system is a group of organs working
together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the
entire body.

2

Dr. Pedro P. Solis - Philippines father of Legal Medicine.
Ecchymosis - a discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding
underneath, typically caused by bruising.
Endocrine System - refers to the collection of glands of an organism
that secrete hormones directly into the circulatory system to be
carried towards a distant target organ.
Epidermis - the outermost layer of the skin of a human or other
vertebrate animal.
Euthanasia - Meaning good death ( well or good ), Refers to the
practice of ending life in a painless manner. Deliberate intervention
undertaken with the express intention of ending life, to relieve
intractable suffering.
Excretory System - is a passive biological system that removes excess,
unnecessary materials from an organism, so as to help maintain
homeostasis within the organism and prevent damage to the body.
Homeostasis -means remaining stable or remaining the same.
Firearm identification - used to determine whether the gun that is
subject of the investigation has the same gun used or fired.
Forensic Medicine - application of medical science to elucidate
legal problems.
Forensic Science - involves the application of the sciences to answer
questions of interest to the legal system.
Four 4 Signs of Inflammation
1. Rubor - redness
2. Calor - heat
3. Tumor - swelling
4. Dulor - pain
Fracture - comes from the Latin word fractura which means a break in
the continuity of the bone. It is also a combination of a break in
the bone and soft tissue injury.
Frostbite - injury to body tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold,
typically affecting the nose, fingers, or toes and often resulting
in gangrene.
Frostnip - the initial stages of frostbite.
Gynecology - the branch of physiology and medicine which deals with
the functions and diseases specific to women and girls, especially
those affecting the reproductive system.
Hematoma - is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.
Incision - a surgical cut made in skin or flesh.
Injury - is the damage to a biological organism caused by physical
harm.
Coup Injury - injury at the site of application of force.
Contre-Coup Injury - injury opposite the site of application
of force.
Coup-Conre-Coup Injury - injury at the site and opposite the
site of application of force.
Locus Minoris Resistentiae - injury not at the site and not
opposite the site of application of force but at the site
offering least resistance.
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 Extensive Injury - injury on greater area more than the site
of application of force.
Integumentary system - is the organ system that protects the body
from various kinds of damage, such as loss of water or abrasion from
outside. The system comprises the skin and its appendages, including
hair, scales, feathers, hooves, and nails.
Laceration - a deep cut or tear in skin or flesh. A wound that is
produced by the tearing of soft body tissue. This type of wound is
often irregular and jagged.
Lazarus Syndrome - is also called Lazarus Phenomenon, is the
spontaneous return of circulation after failed attempts at
resuscitation.
Lazarus Sign - or Lazarus reflex is a reflex movement in brain dead
patients, which causes them to briefly raise their arms and drop
them crossed on their chests.
Legal Medicine - Branch of medicine which deals with the application
of medical knowledge to the purpose of law and in the administration
of justice. Application of medicine to legal cases.
Livor Mortis - is a settling of the blood in the lower (dependent)
portion of the body, causing a purplish red discoloration of the skin.
From the latin word "livor" - bluish color and "mortis" - of death.
Also known as post-mortem lividity.
Mayhem - intentional maiming of another person.
Mechanical Trauma - is an injury to any portion of the body from a
blow, crush, cut, or penetrating wound.
Medical Evidence - is the means sanctioned by the rules of court of
ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the truth respecting a matter
of fact.
Types of Evidence
1. Real Evidence/Autoptic - made known to the senses
2. Testimonial Evidence - oral testimony under oath
3. Experimental Evidence
4. Documentary Evidence
Medical Jurisprudence - knowledge of law in relation to the practice
of medicine.
Medico-Legal officer - (medical examiner) a physician who determines
the cause of injury/death/disease by examining the patient/cadaver
and testify in court to aid in the administration of justice.
Mental Deficiency or mental retardation, is sub average intellectual
ability present from birth or early infancy. Intelligence is both
determined by heredity and environment. In most cases of mental
deficiency, the cause is unknown.
Classification of Mental Deficiency
1. Idiot The idiots intelligence never exceeds that of a
normal child over 2years old. The IQ is between 0 20.
This is usually congenital.
2. Imbecile the imbeciles intelligence is compared to a normal
child from 2 7 years old and the IQ is 20 40.
3. Feeble Minded his mentality is similar to that of a normal
child between 7 12 years old and an IQ of 40 70.
The Legal Importance of determining the persons state of mind
are the following:
1. In Criminal law, insanity exempts a person from criminal
liability.
2. In Civil law, Insanity is a restriction of the capacity of a
natural person to act as provided in Article 38 of the
Civil Code.
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 3. Insanity modifies or limits the capacity of a natural person 5. Phobic Disorders
to act as provided in Article 39 of the Civil Code. a. Agoraphobia
4. Insanity at the time of marriage of any or both parties is a b. Specific phobias
ground for the annulment of marriage. c. Social phobia
6. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Mental Health Disorders include disturbances in thinking, emotion, 7. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
and behavior. There is a complex interaction between the physical, 8. Depression and Mania
psychological, social, cultural and hereditary influences. 9. Bipolar Disorder
10.Suicidal Behavior
Factors that Contribute to the Development of Mental Disorders 11.Eating Disorders
1. Heredity the most frequent factor that contributes to a. Anorexia nervosa
insanity and a good history will reveal the ascendants b. Bulimia nervosa
afflicted with the same. c. Binge eating disorder
2. Incestuous Marriage The mental illness is accentuated when 12.Personality Disorders
they are blood relative. a. Paranoid
3. Impaired Vitality Stress, tension, worry,grief may b. Schizoid
predispose to insanity. c. Histrionic
4. Poor Moral Training and Breeding Corrupt moral upbringing d. Narcissistic
in the family due to immorality of the parents. e. Antisocial
5. Psychic Factors Factors like love, hate,rage, anger, f. Borderline
passion disappointments. g. Avoidant
6. Physical Factors h. Dependent
a. Non toxic factors exhaustion resulting from severe i. Obsessive Compulsive
physical and mental strain and traumatic injuries j. Passive Aggressive
to the head. k. Dissociative
b. Toxic factors drug addiction,infections of 13.Schizophrenia a serious mental disorder characterized by
the brain. loss of contact with reality(psychosis), hallucinations,
delusions (false beliefs), abnormal thinking, disrupted
Kinds of Mental Health Disorders work and social functioning.
1. Psychosomatic disorders physical disorders caused by
psychological factors. Types of Schizophrenia
2. Somatiform disorders encompasses several psychiatric a. Paranoid - is a mental disorder characterized by
disorders in which people report physical symptoms but deny paranoia and a pervasive, long-standing
having psychiatric problems. suspiciousness and generalized mistrust of others.
3. Generalized Anxiety Disorders b. Hebephrenic - it is characterized by disorganized
4. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder behavior and speech, as well as disturbances in

5
 emotional expression. to perform an action; volition.
c. Catatonic - does not respond to external stimuli.
characterized by a marked lack of movement, Kinds of Conation
activity, or expression. A. Impulsion or Impulse (Compulsion) a sudden and
irresistible force compelling a person to the conscious
14.Delusional Disorder performance of some action without motive or forethought.
15.Psychological Incapacity a waste basket diagnosis because
it is so broad a term, that it covers all possible Mental Types of Compulsion
Disorders. a. Pyromania - from the Greek word "pyr" - fire, is an
impulse control disorder in which individuals
Some Manifestations of Mental Disorders repeatedly fail to resist impulses to deliberately
1. Disorders of Cognition (Knowing) start fires in order to relieve tension or for
a. Illusion instant gratification.
b. Hallucination b. Kleptomania - is the inability to refrain from the
2. Disorders of Memory urge to steal items and is done for reasons other
a. Dementia than personal use or financial gain.
3. Disorders in the Content of Thought c. Dipsomania - an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic
A. Delusion liquors.
a. Delusion of grandeur d. Homicidal impulse - occurs when one person kills
b. Delusion of persecution another suddenly and without premeditation or
c. Delusion of reference planning.
d. Delusion of Self Accusation e. Sex impulse - a sudden strong and unreflective urge
e. Delusion of infidelity or desire to have sex..
f. Nihilistic delusion f. Suicidal impulse - recurring thoughts of or
g. Delusion of poverty preoccupation with suicide.
h. Delusion of control
i. Delusion of depression Mortal Wound - capable of causing death.
B. Obsession
4. Disorders in the trend of thought Muscular System - is an organ system consisting of skeletal, smooth
Types a. Mania and cardiac muscles. It permits movement of the body, maintains
b. Melancholia posture, and circulates blood throughout the body.
5. Disorders of Emotions or Feelings a disorder in the state
of mind, fervor, or sensibility, not in accord with reality. Mutilation - or maiming is an act of physical injury that degrades
6. Disorders of volition or conation (doing) the appearance or function of any living body.

Conation - the mental faculty of purpose, desire, or will Nervous System - consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs,

6
and all of the nerves that connect these organs with the rest of the
body.
Obstetrics - branch of medecine that deals with pregnancy, childbirth,
and postpartum period, including care of the newborn.
Paraffin test or Dermal Nitrate test present on the skin of the
hand or site of the wound of entrance. This test is not
conclusive because fertilizers, cosmetics, cigarettes, urine and other
nitrogenous compounds with nitrates will give a positive reaction.
A negative test is also not conclusive . The test usually gives a
positive result even after a lapse of 3days or even if the hands
are subjected to ordinary washing.
Pathology - the science of the causes and effects of diseases,
especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory
examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic
purposes.
Paulus Zacchias - (15841659) is the Father of Forensic Medicine.
Petechiae a circumscribe extravasation of blood in the subcutaneous
tissue.
Physical Injury - is the effect of some stimulus on the body.
Physical injuries - include those caused by mechanical trauma, heat
and cold, electrical discharges, changes in pressure, and radiation.
Mechanical trauma is an injury to any portion of the body from a
blow, crush, cut, or penetrating wound.
Physics - The subject matter of physics includes mechanics, heat,
light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the
structure of atoms.
Physiology - the branch of biology that deals with the normal
functions of living organisms and their parts.
Post-Mortem - (meaning after death) internal examination of the
dead to determine the cause of death.
Ante-Mortem - before death.
Post-Mortem Caloricity - is the rise of temperature of the body after
death due to rapid and early putrefactive changes, usually in the
first two hours.
Post Mortem Lividity - it occurs in most extensive areas of the most
dependent portions of the body.
Puncture Wound - is usually caused by a sharp pointy object such as
a nail, animal teeth, or a tack. This type of wound usually does not
bleed excessively and can appear to close up.
Putrefaction - or decomposition is the final stage following death,
produced mainly by the action of bacterial enzymes, mostly anaerobic
organisms derived from the vowel. Other enzymes are derived from
fungi and sometimes from insects.
Kinds of Putrefaction:
1. Mummification - is the preservation of a body.
2. Saponification also called Adipocere Formation.
3. Maceration - Softening of the tissues after death by
autolysis.
Reproductive System - or genital system is a system of sex organs
within an organism which work together for the purpose of sexual
reproduction. Many non-living substances such as fluids, hormones,
and pheromones are also important accessories to the reproductive
system.
Respiratory System - (or ventilatory system) is a biological system
7
consisting of specific organs and structures used for the process
of respiration in an organism. The respiratory system is involved
in the intake and exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between an
organism and the environment.
Scald - is a type of burn injury caused by hot liquids or gases.
Sex Crimes - generally involve illegal or coerced sexual conduct by
one person towards another.
Chaste An unmarried woman who has had no carnal knowledge
with men or that she never voluntarily had unlawful sexual
intercourse. These also denotes purity of mind and innocence
of heart.
Virgin A woman who has had no carnal knowledge of man.
Her genital organs have not been altered by carnal connection.
Kinds of Virginity
1. Moral virginity the state of not knowing the nature
of sexual life and not having experience sexual
relation.
2. Physical Virginity A condition whereby a woman is
conscious of the nature of sexual life but has not
experienced sexual intercourse.
3. Demivirginity This term refers to a condition of
a woman who permits any form of sexual liberties as
long as they abstain from rupturing the hymen by
sexual act. The woman allows sexual intercourse, but
only inter femora or even inter labia, but not to the
extent of rupturing the hymen.
4. Virgo intacta A truly virgin woman. There is no
structural change in her organ,not withstanding the
fact of a previous sexual intercourse.
Carnal Knowledge - is the act of a man in having sexual bodily
connection with a woman. There is carnal knowledge if there
is the slightest penetration in the sexual organ of the female
by the sexual organ of the male.
Shrapnel - fragments of a bomb, shell, or other object thrown out
by an explosion.
Skeletal System - gives the body its basic framework, providing
structure, protection, and movement.
Subpoena - order issued by the court to a person to appear in court.
Subpoena ad Testificandum- is a court summons to appear and give
oral testimony for use at a hearing or trial.
Surgery - is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual
and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat
a pathological condition such as disease or injury, to help improve
bodily function or appearance or to repair unwanted ruptured areas.
Topinard and Rolet - two french anatomist who devised a formula for
the determination of the height for male and female.
Toxicology - the branch of science concerned with the nature, effects,
and detection of poisons.
Trauma - injury, a physical wound to the body caused by an external
source.
Virginity - A condition of a female who has not experience sexual
intercourse and whose genital organs have not been altered by carnal
connection and whose hymen is still intact.
Virgo Intacta - literally the term refers to a truly virgin woman;
that there are structural changes in her organ to infer previous
sexual intercourse and that she is a virtuous woman.
8
 8. Bite - is a wound received from the teeth of an animal,
Virtuous Female - If her body is pure and if she has never had any including humans.
sexual intercourse with another though her mind and heart is impure. 9. Gunshot Wound (GSW) - (Ballistic Trauma) is a form of physical
trauma sustained from the discharge of arms or munitions.
Vital Reaction - the response of living body tissues to injury.
Barotrauma - wound/injury caused by a change in atmospheric
Wound - in legal medicine,it means strictly a solution of continuity. pressure.
An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact,
typically one in which the skin is cut or broken. Defense Wound - or self-defense wound is an injury received by
the victim of an attack while trying to defend against the
Open Wound - there is a break in the continuity of the skin. assailant. often found on the hands and forearms, where the
1. Abrasion - a wound consisting of superficial damage to victim has raised them to protect the head and face or to fend
the skin. Scratch, friction mark. off an assault, but may also be present on the feet and legs
2. Bruise - is a common skin injury that results from the where a victim attempts defense while lying down and kicking
breakage of tiny blood vessels leaking under the skin. Blood out at the assailant.
from damaged blood vessels beneath the skin collects near
the surface of the skin to appear as what we recognize as
a black and blue mark. Cause by a blunt injury to the
tissues which damage blood vessels beneath the surface,
allowing blood to extravasate or leak into the surrounding
tissues.
3. Incised Wound - caused by a clean, sharp-edged object such
as a knife, razor, or glass splinter.
4. Stab Wound - is a specific form of penetrating trauma to
the skin that results from a knife or a similar pointed
object that is "deeper than it is wide".
5. Punctured Wound - is a deep wound caused by something sharp
and pointed, like a nail. The opening on the skin is small,
and the puncture wound may not bleed much. Puncture wounds
can easily become infected.
6. Perforating Wound - a wound with an entrance and exit opening.
7. Lacerated Wound - that occurs when skin, tissue, and/or
muscle is torn or cut open. Lacerations may be deep or
shallow, long or short, and wide or narrow. Most lacerations
are the result of the skin hitting an object, or an object
hitting the skin with force.