title: [Decomposition of corpses--a microbial degradation process with special reference to mummification, formation of adipocere and incomplete putrified corpes].
abstract: Decomposition of the human body is a microbial process. It is influenced by the environmental situation and it depends to a high degree on the exchange of substances between the corpse and the environment. Mummification occurs at low humidity or frost. Adipocere arises from lack of oxygen, incomplete putrified corpses develop when there is no exchange of air or water between the corpse and the environment.
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schoenen
mesh_terms: D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008827:Microbiological Phenomena; D009106:Mummies / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates / Q000378:metabolism; D011180:Postmortem Changes
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates