Editing Putrefaction (section)

{{Short description|Fifth stage of death}}
{{Distinguish|Petrifaction}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2017}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2014}}
{{Stages of death}}

'''Putrefaction''' is the fifth [[stage of death]], following [[pallor mortis]], [[livor mortis]], [[algor mortis]], and [[rigor mortis]]. This process references the breaking down of a body of an [[animal]] [[Post-mortem interval|post-mortem]]. In broad terms, it can be viewed as the decomposition of [[protein]]s, and the eventual breakdown of the cohesiveness between tissues, and the liquefaction of most organs. This is caused by the decomposition of organic matter by bacterial or fungal digestion, which causes the release of gases that infiltrate the body's tissues, and leads to the deterioration of the tissues and organs. 
The approximate time it takes putrefaction to occur is dependent on various factors. Internal factors that affect the rate of putrefaction include the age at which death has occurred, the overall structure and condition of the body, the cause of death, and external injuries arising before or after death. External factors include environmental temperature, moisture and air exposure, clothing, burial factors, and light exposure. [[Body farm]]s are facilities that study the way various factors affect the putrefaction process.

The first signs of putrefaction are signified by a greenish discoloration on the outside of the skin, on the abdominal wall corresponding to where the large intestine begins, as well as under the surface of the liver.

Certain substances, such as [[Phenol|carbolic acid]], [[arsenic]], [[strychnine]], and [[zinc chloride]], can be used to delay the process of putrefaction in various ways based on their chemical make up.