Decomposition is the natural process by which the organic matter of a body breaks down into simpler forms. This transformation is driven by internal biological processes and external environmental factors. For an average adult body in temperate conditions, the two-week mark represents a period of significant change, moving far beyond the early post-mortem signs. At this timeline, the body is typically in a state of advanced breakdown, where internal mechanisms have visibly altered the physical form.
The Early Transition: Moving Past Rigor Mortis
Decomposition begins immediately with autolysis, or self-digestion, as enzymes within the body’s cells begin to break down their own structures. In the first few hours, the body cools until it matches ambient temperature, and a visible pooling of blood, known as livor mortis, appears in the dependent areas. The muscles also enter a temporary phase of stiffening called rigor mortis, which typically begins a few hours after death.
Rigor mortis progresses to its maximum stiffness between 8 and 36 hours before it begins to fade as the muscle proteins break down. By the end of the first week, the muscle rigidity has completely disappeared. The earliest external sign of microbial activity is a greenish discoloration of the lower right abdomen, seen as early as 18 to 36 hours after death. This initial discoloration marks the start of putrefaction, the stage that dominates the two-week timeline.
The State of Advanced Putrefaction
By the 14-day mark, the body is in the active decay phase, characterized by significant physical changes. The most pronounced external sign is intense bloating, resulting from gases accumulating in the abdominal cavity and tissues. This gas buildup can cause the torso, face, breasts, and genitals to swell dramatically, occasionally doubling the body’s size and distorting facial features.
The skin undergoes a significant transformation due to the breakdown of blood and the spread of sulfur compounds produced by bacteria. This process creates a pattern called marbling, where the superficial veins appear as distinct greenish-black streaks beneath the skin surface. The pressure from internal gases can also cause the outer layer of skin to loosen and peel away easily, a phenomenon known as skin slippage. Intense internal pressure can also force putrefactive liquids out of the mouth, nose, and other orifices, a process known as postmortem purging.
The soft tissues, including muscles and organs, are rapidly losing mass and beginning to liquefy during this phase. Hair and nails may become loosened and easily detached as the underlying tissues degrade. At this stage, the body is heavily discolored, often appearing a deep greenish-black color across large areas as putrefaction becomes widespread.
Internal Mechanisms of Decomposition
The physical changes observed externally are powered by two interconnected biological processes: autolysis and putrefaction. Autolysis involves the breakdown of cells by their own hydrolytic enzymes, which are released when cellular membranes rupture. Organs rich in enzymes, such as the pancreas, are among the first to show signs of this self-digestion.
Putrefaction is the decomposition of tissues by microorganisms, mainly bacteria originating in the gut. Once the body’s immune system is inactive, these anaerobic bacteria, particularly species like Clostridia, migrate from the intestines throughout the body via the circulatory system. These microbes consume the body’s tissues, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as a food source.
The digestion of tissue by these bacteria results in the production of various foul-smelling compounds, such as putrescine and cadaverine, which are the source of the characteristic odor of decay. The bacterial metabolism generates large volumes of gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon dioxide. This rapid gas production causes the profound internal pressure and subsequent bloating, forcing liquids out of the body and driving advanced decay.
Environmental Modifiers of the 14-Day Timeline
The two-week timeline is highly variable and serves as a general estimate for a body exposed in a temperate environment. Temperature is the largest modifier; warmer conditions accelerate the chemical reactions and bacterial growth that drive decomposition. Conversely, cold temperatures significantly slow the process, which is why refrigeration is used to preserve bodies.
High humidity and moisture also accelerate decay by facilitating the growth and mobility of microorganisms. A body submerged in water typically decomposes more slowly than one exposed to air, especially in cool water, though it may float to the surface during the bloat phase. Burial in soil slows the process considerably by limiting oxygen availability and reducing access for insects.
Insect activity, particularly that of blowflies, can drastically accelerate soft tissue loss in exposed environments. Fly eggs hatch into maggots, which feed voraciously and consume a significant amount of tissue, reducing the body to bone much faster than microbial action alone. In contrast, hot, arid conditions can sometimes preserve a body through desiccation, leading to mummification rather than advanced putrefaction.