Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Somatic Death and Molecular Death?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Somatic Death and Molecular Death?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between somatic death and molecular death lies in the scope and timing of the processes involved.

Somatic Death:

  • Refers to the complete and irreversible stoppage of vital brain stem functions.
  • Coincides with the cessation of activities of the heart and the lung.
  • Occurs when there is an irreversible cessation of the vital functions of the brain, heart, and lungs.
  • Several cells of the body continue to function for some time after somatic death, usually 2 to 3 hours.

Molecular Death:

  • Refers to the death of all individual cells within the body.
  • Occurs when the activity within the cells comes to a stop, typically 2 to 3 hours after somatic death.
  • Marks the cessation of respiration and metabolism of the body tissues, followed by autolysis and decay.

In summary, somatic death is the complete and irreversible stoppage of vital functions, while molecular death is the death of all individual cells within the body. Somatic death occurs first, and molecular death follows shortly after, usually within 2 to 3 hours.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Somatic Death and Molecular Death?
  • Comparative Table: Somatic Death vs Molecular Death

    • Comparative Table: Somatic Death vs Molecular Death

    Somatic death and molecular death are two different types of death that occur in the human body. Here is a table comparing the differences between them:

    Feature Somatic Death Molecular Death
    Definition The complete and irreversible stoppage of the vital functions, including brain, heart, and lung functions. The cessation of respiration and metabolism of the body tissues, followed by autolysis and decay.
    Occurrence Occurs when the brain becomes dead, followed by the cessation of the functional properties of the heart and lungs. Occurs after somatic death, when the activities of individual tissues and cells stop.
    Characteristics - Irreversible loss of sensibility and the ability to move. Early signs: Changes in skin and eye, cooling of the body, post-mortem lividity, changes in muscles (e.g., primary relaxation, rigor mortis).
    Duration Immediate post-mortem phase. Early post-mortem phase, within 2 to 3 hours after somatic death.
    Importance Determining the death of a person, especially in the context of resuscitation and organ transplantation. Determining the death of a person, particularly in forensic investigations.

    Both somatic and molecular death are considered irreversible processes, and their detection is crucial for confirming the death of a person.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.