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THE PHYSIOLOGY OF DEATH


Impending death is a subject that most of us dread and are unwilling to face; but death is a reality, a universal concept. We all have to confront death at some point in our lives; either that of a loved one or our own. It is therefore important for us to understand death and the processes that lead up to it. Some questions that we should consider include: What happens as the body drifts towards total shutdown? What signs are observed in the time preceding death? What would we see when a person dies?





The Circulatory System

            As death approaches, blood flow begins to slow. By way of compensation, the body begins to shunt blood towards the vital organs. The extremities i.e. the hands, arms and feet become cool to touch due to the decreasing blood flow to these areas. Mottling and pooling of blood is also noticeable on the underside of the body and appears much like a bruising (“The Process of Dying”, n.d.). Blood pressure also drops and the pulse becomes irregular and may slow or speed up (Bazelak, 2017).


The Respiratory System

            Secretions begin to build up in the lungs due to the inability to cough them out as the body conserves energy for other more important processes. As air travels through the clogged air passageways, rattling sounds may be heard. Breathing pattern also changes. Cheyne-Stokes breathing may be observed i.e. shallow breaths with periods of no breathing of 5-30 seconds and up to a full minute which may be noticed in the days and hours before death (Bazelak, 2017; Huntir, 2018 ).


The Digestive System

            Due to the reduction in blood flow to the digestive system, digestion slows down and the digestive tract loses moisture (“The Process of Dying”, n.d.). The person may experience a decrease in appetite and thirst and this in part, accounts for the weight loss that may be seen. Fecal incontinence may also be present as a result of relaxation of muscles involved in defecation.

The Central Nervous System

            As the brain begins to receive less and less blood and hence a reduced oxygen supply, it undergoes metabolic changes. The person may experience disorientation and fatigue. They may be uncommunicative and unresponsive and at times may be difficult to wake from sleep (Huntir, 2018). The person may also become restless, displayed in making movements that seem aimless (Bazelak, 2017).


The Urinary System

            Due to decreased perfusion through the kidneys and reduction in fluid intake, the urinary output decreases. As a way of conserving water, the urine produced is concentrated. Urinary incontinence may be observed because the muscles in the area begin to relax.

            All systems slow down until finally, every physiological process comes to a halt. One may notice some observable signs on the dead body a few minutes after a person dies. Examples include the following: The person will have no pulse. Breathing as well as brain activity ceases. Body temperature decreases steadily until it finally matches room temperature; a phenomenon known as algor mortis. Rigor mortis, which is stiffening of limbs, is also a recognizable sign. Blood gravitates towards the lower parts of the body and settles under the skin. This leads to the phenomenon referred to as livor mortis, the bluish-purple colouration observed in those parts of the skin. 
Video on Stages of Death (therichest.com)


            Moreover, recognising the various physiological changes that the body undergoes in the last moments, may serve as some source of assurance to individuals who are comforted by the knowledge of understanding the above processes. It may also help settle the minds of others who may be fearful and avoidant thus, allow them to come to terms with what is happening.


Author: Madonna Wiafe-Ansong


 REFERENCES

Bazelak, M. O. (2017). What Happens as we Die? We Demystify the Process. Retrieved July 24, 2019 from http://www.aurorahealthcare.org
Huntir, A. (2018). Palliare: A Handbook for Palliative Care Volunteers in NSW (Second Edition). Palliative Care NSW, Surry Hills.
The Process of Dying (n.d.) Retrieved on July 24, 2019 from http://courses.lumenlearning.com

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