Abstract

Pallor mortis (Latin: "pallor" "paleness", "mortis" "of death"), the first stage of death, is an after death paleness that occurs in those with light/white skin.

Timing and applicability

Pallor mortis occurs almost immediately (within 15–25 minutes) post-mortem; paleness develops so rapidly after death that it has little to no use in determining the time of death, aside from saying that it either happened less than 30 minutes ago or more, which could help if the body were found very soon after death.

Cause

Pallor mortis results from the cessation of capillary circulation throughout the body. Gravity then causes the blood to sink down into the lower parts of the body, creating livor mortis.

Similar paleness in living persons

A living person can look deathly pale. This can happen when circumstances make the blood escape from the surface of the skin, as in deep shock. Also heart failure ("insufficientia cordis") can make the face look grey; the person then also has blue lips. Skin can also look deathly pale as a result of vasoconstriction as part of the body's homeostatic systems in cold conditions, or if the skin is deficient in vitamin D, as seen in people who spend most of the time indoors, away from sunlight.