-
Decomposition begins about 4 minutes after death. Autolysis occurs when cells are deprived of nourishment: digestive enzymes begin gnawing upon the cells themselves.
-
Within a few hours the chemicals that allow muscle fibers to slide freely are metabolized, causing temporary profound stiffness called rigor mortis
-
As the host's cells steadily self-destruct from autolysis, their membranes rupture, spilling the nutrient-rich cell filling into the tissues.
-
On the surface of the body, scores of flies are drawn to the fresh-corpse scent from up to a mile away. They lay their eggs at every exposed opening. and soon the newborn maggots are making a meal of the cadaver's subcutaneous fat.
-
Over several days the spongy brain will liquefy and leak from the ears and mouth, while blisters on the skin which eventually evolve into large, peeling sheets. Often the skin from the hand will slough off in one piece, an effect known as gloving.
-
By day 4, the rigor mortis has subsided, and the rapidly reproducing anaerobic bacteria have expelled enough gas that the skin takes on a green tinge. The sickly sweet smell of decay begins to saturate, causing the body to swell. Insects, such as maggots and hunting beetles, obscure every orifice on the body.
-
As the 10th day approaches, the bacteria-induced bloating becomes pronounced. Sometimes this pressure is relieved by post-mortem flatulence. Insects continue to feast on the body. The soil beneath the corpse is sodden with liquids while the skin becomes mummified and draws in close to bones.
