Legal Medicine Reviewer
Definition of Terms
Abortion - is the termination of
pregnancy by the removal or
expulsion
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
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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. To determine whether any
medical diagnosis and treatment
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
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that doesn’t cause obvious
physical damage.
Cerebral Contusion – they are bruises
to the brain, usually caused by
a direct, strong blow to the head. They
are more serious than
concussions.
Circulatory System - also called the
cardiovascular system, is an
organ system that permits blood to
circulate and transport nutrients
(such as amino acids and
electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide,
hormones, and blood cells to and
from cells in the body to nourish
it and help to fight diseases, stabilize
body temperature and pH, and
to maintain homeostasis.
Contempt of Court - any willful
disobedience to or disregard of a
court order or any misconduct in the
presence of a court action that
interferes with a judge's ability to
administer justice or that
insults the dignity of the court.
Punishable by fine or imprisonment
or both.
Contusion - also called a bruise, is a
type of hematoma of tissue in
which capillaries and sometimes
venules are damaged by trauma,
allowing blood to seep, hemorrhage,
or extravasate into the surrounding
interstitial tissues.
Death - Complete cessation of all
cardio- pulmonary (heart-lungs)
and/or cessation of brain activity.
Death is the termination of all
biological functions that sustain a
living organism.
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)
stop or become very slow for a
period of time while a person
or animal is unconscious.
Leading Causes of Death In The
World
1. Ischaemic heart disease
2. Stroke (cerebrovascular
diseases)
3. Lower respiratory infections
4. Chronic Obstructive Lung
Disease
Signs Of Death
1. Cessation of heart action and
circulation
2. Cessation of respiration
3. Cooling of the body (Algor
Mortis) - The temperature of
15–20 degrees Fahrenheit is
considered as ascertain sign of
death.
4. Loss of motor power
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5. Loss of sensory power
6. Changes in the skin
7. Changes in and about the eye -
There is loss of corneal reflex
Declaration of Tokyo - is a set of
international guidelines for
physicians concerning torture and
other cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment in relation to
detention and imprisonment,
which was adopted in October 1975
during the 29th General assembly
of the World Medical Association.
Defloration - is the laceration or
rupture of the hymen as a result
of sexual intercourse.
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.
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
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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.
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
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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 idiot’s intelligence
never exceeds that of a
normal child over 2years old. The
IQ is between 0 – 20.
This is usually congenital.
2. Imbecile – the imbecile’s
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.
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The Legal Importance of
determining the person’s 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.
3. Insanity modifies or limits the
capacity of a natural person
to act as provided in Article 39 of
the Civil Code.
4. Insanity at the time of marriage
of any or both parties is a
ground for the annulment of
marriage.
Mental Health Disorders – include
disturbances in thinking, emotion,
and behavior. There is a complex
interaction between the physical,
psychological, social, cultural and
hereditary influences.
Factors that Contribute to the
Development of Mental Disorders
1. Heredity – the most frequent
factor that contributes to
insanity and a good history will
reveal the ascendants
afflicted with the same.
2. Incestuous Marriage – The
mental illness is accentuated when
they are blood relative.
3. Impaired Vitality – Stress, tension,
worry,grief may
predispose to insanity.
 4. Poor Moral Training and
Breeding – Corrupt moral upbringing
in the family due to immorality of
the parents.
5. Psychic Factors – Factors like
love, hate,rage, anger,
passion disappointments.
6. Physical Factors
a. Non toxic factors –
exhaustion resulting from severe
physical and mental strain
and traumatic injuries
to the head.
b. Toxic factors – drug
addiction,infections of
the brain.
Kinds of Mental Health Disorders
1. Psychosomatic disorders –
physical disorders caused by
psychological factors.
2. Somatiform disorders –
encompasses several psychiatric
disorders in which people report
physical symptoms but deny
having psychiatric problems.
3. Generalized Anxiety Disorders
4. Panic Attacks and Panic
Disorder
5. Phobic Disorders
a. Agoraphobia
b. Specific phobias
c. Social phobia
6. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
7. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
8. Depression and Mania
9. Bipolar Disorder
10.Suicidal Behavior
11.Eating Disorders
a. Anorexia nervosa
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b. Bulimia nervosa
c. Binge eating disorder
12.Personality Disorders
a. Paranoid
b. Schizoid
c. Histrionic
d. Narcissistic
e. Antisocial
f. Borderline
g. Avoidant
h. Dependent
i. Obsessive – Compulsive
j. Passive Aggressive
k. Dissociative
13.Schizophrenia – a serious mental
disorder characterized by
loss of contact with
reality(psychosis), hallucinations,
delusions (false beliefs),
abnormal thinking, disrupted
work and social functioning.
Types of Schizophrenia
a. Paranoid - is a mental
disorder characterized by
paranoia and a pervasive,
long-standing
suspiciousness and
generalized mistrust of others.
b. Hebephrenic - it is
characterized by disorganized
behavior and speech, as
well as disturbances in
emotional expression.
c. Catatonic - does not
respond to external stimuli.
characterized by a marked
lack of movement,
activity, or expression.
 14.Delusional Disorder
15.Psychological Incapacity – a
waste basket diagnosis because
it is so broad a term, that it covers
all possible Mental
Disorders.
Some Manifestations of Mental
Disorders
1. Disorders of Cognition (Knowing)
a. Illusion
b. Hallucination
2. Disorders of Memory
a. Dementia
3. Disorders in the Content of
Thought
A. Delusion
a. Delusion of grandeur
b. Delusion of persecution
c. Delusion of reference
d. Delusion of Self –
Accusation
e. Delusion of infidelity
f. Nihilistic delusion
g. Delusion of poverty
h. Delusion of control
i. Delusion of depression
B. Obsession
4. Disorders in the trend of
thought
Types a. Mania
b. Melancholia
5. Disorders of Emotions or Feelings
– a disorder in the state
of mind, fervor, or sensibility, not
in accord with reality.
6. Disorders of volition or conation
(doing)
Conation - the mental faculty
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of purpose, desire, or will
to perform an action; volition.
Kinds of Conation
A. Impulsion or Impulse
(Compulsion) – a sudden and
irresistible force compelling a
person to the conscious
performance of some action
without motive or forethought.
Types of Compulsion
a. Pyromania - from the
Greek word "pyr" - fire, is an
impulse control disorder in
which individuals
repeatedly fail to resist
impulses to deliberately
start fires in order to relieve
tension or for
instant gratification.
b. Kleptomania - is the
inability to refrain from the
urge to steal items and is
done for reasons other
than personal use or
financial gain.
c. Dipsomania - an
uncontrollable craving for alcoholic
liquors.
d. Homicidal impulse - occurs
when one person kills
another suddenly and
without premeditation or
planning.
e. Sex impulse - a sudden
strong and unreflective urge
or desire to have sex..
f. Suicidal impulse - recurring
thoughts of or
 preoccupation with suicide.
Mortal Wound - capable of causing
death.
Muscular System - is an organ system
consisting of skeletal, smooth
and cardiac muscles. It permits
movement of the body, maintains
posture, and circulates blood
throughout the body.
Mutilation - or maiming is an act of
physical injury that degrades
the appearance or function of any
living body.
Nervous System - consists of the brain,
spinal cord, sensory organs,
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
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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 - (1584–1659) 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
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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
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. Demi–virginity – 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, notwithstanding 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.
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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.
Virtuous Female - If her body is pure
and if she has never had any
sexual intercourse with another
though her mind and heart is impure.
Vital Reaction - the response of living
body tissues to injury.
Wound - in legal medicine,it means
strictly a solution of continuity.
An injury to living tissue caused by a
cut, blow, or other impact,
typically one in which the skin is cut or
broken.
Open Wound - there is a break in
the continuity of the skin.
1. Abrasion - a wound consisting of
superficial damage to
the skin. Scratch, friction mark.
2. Bruise - is a common skin injury
that results from the
breakage of tiny blood vessels
leaking under the skin. Blood
from damaged blood vessels
beneath the skin collects near
the surface of the skin to appear
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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.
8. Bite - is a wound received from
the teeth of an animal,
including humans.
9. Gunshot Wound (GSW) - (Ballistic
Trauma) is a form of physical
 trauma sustained from the
discharge of arms or munitions.

Barotrauma - wound/injury caused

by a change in atmospheric
pressure.

Defense Wound - or self-defense

wound is an injury received by
the victim of an attack while trying
to defend against the
assailant. often found on the hands
and forearms, where the
victim has raised them to protect
the head and face or to fend
off an assault, but may also be
present on the feet and legs
where a victim attempts defense
while lying down and kicking
out at the assailant.

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