Death is an inescapable part of existence. But it, besides ending or mortal life, gives rise to a whole slew of postmortem processes, which are in most cases expressed in the form of decomposition of the soft tissues in the body. As is said in Ecclesiastes - "For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return."
Few realize that the processes of bodily decomposition begin immediately after death. This is due to the microorganisms found in our bodies. Left without oxygen, our cells die in minutes, becoming food for bacteria.
Under these effects, putrefaction begins in the body. The rate of decay in different bodies varies immensely and depends on a series of factors, among which are the surrounding temperature, humidity, amount of oxygen, soil composition if the body is buried, method of burial.
The time it takes for a body to decompose also depends on the dead person's physique ( better fed people decompose faster ), their age, as well as the cause and pace of death.
The amount of time it takes for a human body to decompose also depends on any extensive wounds, infections diseases, overheating, chronic alcoholism and duration of death struggle, if present. These factors increase the rate of decomposition.
However, decomposition is slowed if there is acute blood loss, carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning, or if the body is dismembered.
According to experts in pathoanatomy, under normal circumstances, a human body buried in the ground should decompose completely in about 4 years. But it can decompose prior to this or not decompose at all if it is mummified or soaped.
