What process involves the decomposition of soft tissues, leaving only bones?

Skeletonization is the process that specifically refers to the decomposition of soft tissues after death, leading to the exposure and subsequent preservation of bones. In this phase of decomposition, the organic materials in the soft tissues, such as muscles and organs, break down due to microbial activity and environmental factors, ultimately resulting in a skeleton that may be left behind.

Skeletonization is significant in forensic investigations because it can provide valuable information regarding the time since death and other aspects of the individual’s life and health before death. The remaining bones can be examined for signs of trauma, disease, and other pertinent details that are useful in determining the circumstances surrounding a person’s demise.

The other processes mentioned have different implications. Moderate decomposition denotes a stage where soft tissues are breaking down but has not yet resulted in complete skeletonization. Mummification refers to a specific process of preservation that inhibits decomposition, typically occurring in dry environments. Livor mortis, on the other hand, is the pooling of blood after death, resulting in a coloring of the skin, which occurs immediately after death and does not involve the decomposition of tissues. This distinction highlights why skeletonization is the most accurate term for the complete loss of soft tissue while leaving the skeletal remains intact.