Mummification Notes

At Death Heart & Lungs stop functioning Nutrients & Waste not taken care of Cells move into anaerobic respiration  Lactic Acid Blood pools in lower surfaces  Pale on Top, Dark on Bottom Calcium permanently leaks into muscle cells  Permanent Contraction

Timing Neurological Cells die w/in 3min. Skin & Bone Cells die w/in 3-7days. Body Temperature  Room Temp w/in 12hours Body Temperature  Cold w/in 24hours Rigor Mortis w/in 3hours  Relaxation after 36hours

Piggy Decomp… decomposition/index.htmhttp:// decomposition/index.htm

Rigor Mortis Permanent Muscle Contraction & Stiffness Maximum stiffness at 12hours As Muscle degrades  Stiffness dissipates

Grave Wax White waxy substance Accumulates in fatty areas Bacteria digest fatty acids: –Enzymes + Water + Hydrogen + Fatty Acids –Produces soap residue Abundance can preserve corpse + prevent “decomp” –However in presence of insects, this will not occur!

“Decomp” The breaking down of tissues Triggers: –Body’s natural enzymes –Body’s natural bacteria –Environmental bacteria, chemicals, climate and insects Will Happen In Presence Of: –Bacteria + Insects –Heat + Moisture

Egyptian Mummification Purposeful Outer Tissue: –Dried w/ Salts + Chemicals –Salts + Alcohol will kill bacteria / insects –Covered in cloth, preventing moisture contamination Inner Tissue: –Organs completely removed –Inside rubbed with Salts + Alcohol

Natural Mummification (The mummies we saw!) Mummification not planned for: –“Accidental” –Absence of Insects, Bacteria + Moisture –Individuals buried like “normal” Conditions: –Frozen –Bog –Dry & Arid

Frozen Mummies Extreme Cold Temperature Tissue Dries Out  Absence of Liquid Water or Water Vapor Absence of Bacteria & Insects Causes: –People of arctic regions –Unfortunate, Untimely death –Accidental

Bog Mummies Bog = Type of wetland environment dense with dead plant matter. Conditions: –Water extremely acidic –Temperature Cold –Lack of Oxygen Absence of Bacteria Causes: –Common in Murder Cases

Dry & Arrid Mummies Heat causes fast evaporation of water Low Humidity (Very Dry Air) Absence of Bacteria & Insects Causes: –Normal Burial  Accidental Mummification –Unfortunate, Untimely Death

Clues from Mummies Use preserved tissue + bones to deduce health of individual. Look for: –Bone disfiguration –Arthritis + Bone Spurs