Stages of Decomposition

By ashleyfowler

  • 4 minutes after death

    4 minutes after death
    The cells go through a process called autolysis, which is when digestive enzymes begin eating away at the cells

  • Bacteria

    Bacteria
    Bacteria begins eating away at the body

  • Flies

    Flies
    On the surface of the body, flies begin laying eggs in openings. The maggots will then feed off of the body.

  • Brain and Hands

    Brain and Hands
    The brain will liquify and leak from the ears and mouth, and the hands will go through a process known as "gloving" where the skin will peel off.

  • Rigor Mortis

    Rigor Mortis
    Rigor Mortis is the temporary stiffening of a body after death. This will begin to subside around day 4. The skin will also form a green tint around this time.

  • Abdominal Bloating

    Abdominal Bloating
    On day 10, the abdomen will begin to experience pressure that is sometimes relieved by flatulence, but sometimes the abdomen ruptures.

  • Saponification

    Saponification
    Other insects will begin to feed on the flesh, the skin will become more drawn to the bone, and natural soap buildup occurs.