Decomposition

With death, the body is no longer supported by the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. This means there is no oxygen or glucose reaching the tissues to fuel their physiological processes or to repair cellular structures and no waste products are being removed. The cells and tissues can no longer be maintained and they begin to breakdown, allowing cellular contents and enzymes to escape from normal confines.

Skin slippage and blistering - separation of the epidermis from the dermis with loss of fluid

Vascular marbling - following death, bacteria can enter the blood stream from the intestines. This causes dark discoloration of the blood in the veins, leading to a marbling like pattern at the skin that expands in the postmortem period.

Discoloration - following death, the skin, soft tissues, and organs can change colors as tissues break down and bacteria spreads. This discoloration often starts at the abdomen as it contains the intestines.

Gas accumulation - as decomposition continues, bacteria can produce gas that accumulates under the skin and in body cavities. This can lead to distention not only of the abdomen but in other areas of the body with confined spaces, such as the genitals.