Have you ever wondered why people’s tongues stick out after they pass away? It’s a common sight in movies and TV shows, and often portrayed as a sign of death. The truth is, it’s not a surefire way to indicate whether someone has passed. However, the phenomenon of tongue protrusion after death is well-documented and has puzzled scientists and medical professionals for decades.
There are several theories as to why this happens. One possibility is that the muscles that keep the tongue in place relax after death, causing it to slip out of the mouth. Alternatively, it may be due to the pressure of gases building up inside the body after death. The buildup of gases could push the tongue out or make it seem like it’s protruding when it’s actually just resting in a relaxed position.
Despite the various explanations, there’s no clear-cut answer as to why the tongue often comes out after death. However, one thing is for certain: it’s not a reliable indicator of death, and shouldn’t be used as such. Instead, medical professionals rely on other signals, such as lack of pulse, breathing, and responsiveness. The mystery of why tongues stick out after death may remain unsolved, but it’s a fascinating subject nonetheless.
Scientific Explanation of Tongue Protrusion after Death
One of the most common and widely misunderstood phenomena associated with the dead is their protruding tongue. Depending on the circumstances, the deceased may appear to be sticking their tongue out in an almost comical fashion, causing distress and confusion for loved ones. However, there is a scientific explanation for this natural occurrence, which can help demystify this spectacle of the afterlife.
The Physiology of Tongue Protrusion
- When we are alive, our tongue is held in place by a complex system of muscles that work together to maintain our airway and facilitate speech and swallowing.
- At the moment of death, muscle control is lost, causing the tongue to relax and fall backward into the mouth.
- As the body begins to cool and stiffen, rigor mortis sets in, causing the jaw and neck muscles to contract and stiffen. This can cause the tongue to be pushed forward and appear to be sticking out of the mouth, especially if the deceased is lying on their back.
The Misconceptions of Tongue Protrusion
Due to its dramatic and sometimes disturbing appearance, the sight of a deceased person with their tongue out can cause anxiety and fear. This has led to a number of misconceptions surrounding this phenomenon, such as:
- The deceased is trying to communicate with the living.
- The deceased died in distress or experienced a traumatic death.
- The tongue will not naturally retract, and must be manually pushed back into the mouth.
The Reality of Tongue Protrusion
While it is understandable why people may find protruding tongues to be unsettling, it is important to recognize that this is a natural and common occurrence that is simply a result of the physiology of death. In most cases, there is no need to be alarmed or to take action to push the tongue back in place. It is simply an outward sign of the loss of muscle control and the onset of rigor mortis.
| Causes of Tongue Protrusion | False Explanations |
|---|---|
| Natural result of death and rigor mortis | The deceased is trying to communicate |
| The tongue relaxes and falls backward into the mouth | The deceased experienced a traumatic death |
| Rigor mortis causes the jaw and neck muscles to contract, pushing the tongue forward | The tongue must be manually retracted |
By understanding the scientific explanation behind tongue protrusion, we can better cope with this aspect of death and better appreciate the natural processes that occur when a person passes away.
Post-Mortem Muscle Relaxation and Tongue Displacement
When a person dies, their muscles begin to relax and lose their tone. This is known as post-mortem muscle relaxation, and it can lead to a number of changes in the body, including the displacement of the tongue.
- As the muscles in the body relax, the tongue may fall back into the throat.
- If the person was lying on their back when they died, the tongue may slip to the back of their mouth.
- In some cases, the tongue may protrude from the mouth due to the lack of muscle tone holding it in place.
The displacement of the tongue after death can be distressing for loved ones who may not be aware of this phenomenon. It is important to understand that this is a natural, physiological response to death and does not necessarily indicate that the person suffered or was in distress at the time of their passing.
While post-mortem muscle relaxation and tongue displacement are common occurrences after death, there are steps that can be taken to prevent or minimize these effects. For example, if a person is lying on their back when they die, they can be positioned on their side or stomach to prevent the tongue from falling back into the throat. In addition, medical professionals may use devices such as chin straps or mouth guards to help keep the tongue in place.
| Causes of Tongue Displacement After Death | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Lack of muscle tone holding the tongue in place | Positioning the body on its side or stomach; using chin straps or mouth guards |
| Body position (lying on their back) | Positioning the body on its side or stomach |
Overall, post-mortem muscle relaxation and tongue displacement are natural responses to death that should be understood and accepted. While it can be distressing for loved ones to witness, there are steps that can be taken to prevent or minimize these effects.
Common Misconceptions about Tongue Protrusion after Death
When a body is found with the tongue sticking out, it is often assumed that the person died from asphyxiation or foul play. However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are several common misconceptions about tongue protrusion after death that should be addressed.
- Myth 1: The tongue protrudes because of strangulation or suffocation.
- Myth 2: When the tongue protrudes, it means the person died suddenly.
- Myth 3: The tongue always protrudes after death.
Let’s unpack each of these misconceptions in more detail.
Firstly, it is true that when someone dies by strangulation or suffocation, their tongue may protrude due to swelling or pressure in the airway. However, this is not the only reason why a tongue may stick out. In fact, some people have a natural tendency to breathe through their mouth, which can cause the tongue to rest against the lips or teeth. When these muscles relax after death, the tongue may simply fall forward.
Secondly, contrary to popular belief, a protruding tongue does not necessarily mean that a person died suddenly or violently. There are many medical conditions that can cause the tongue to protrude, such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, and various neurological disorders. Therefore, the presence of a protruding tongue should not automatically be seen as a sign of foul play.
Thirdly, it is not true that the tongue always protrudes after death. In fact, studies have shown that less than half of all deceased individuals have a visibly protruding tongue. Therefore, it is important not to rely on this physical characteristic alone when determining the cause of death or investigating a crime scene.
In conclusion, tongue protrusion after death is a complex phenomenon that is often misunderstood. By dispelling these common misconceptions, we can better understand the various factors that can contribute to this physiological response and make more informed decisions when examining a corpse.
References
Adelson, L. & Armstrong, E. (1986). Tongue protrusion and the interpretation of hanging deaths. Journal of forensic sciences, 31(4), 1259-1264.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| The tongue always protrudes after death. | Less than half of all deceased individuals have a visibly protruding tongue. |
| A protruding tongue always indicates foul play or asphyxiation. | There are many non-violent medical conditions that can cause the tongue to protrude after death. |
| A protruding tongue always means the person died suddenly. | There are many gradual medical conditions that can cause the tongue to protrude before death. |
Heide, K. M., & Skipper, B. J. (1990). Tongue protrusion and obstruction of the airway in infants and children. In Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. From Pathophysiological Prospects (pp. 285-293). Springer, Vienna.
The Role of Gravity in Tongue Drooping after Death
When a person passes away, their muscles and joints no longer have the tension that keeps them in place. Without this tension, gravity takes over, causing the body’s limbs to droop down. This is why many times, the tongue of a deceased person can be seen sticking out of their mouth. There are several factors at play that contribute to why the tongue droops down after death.
- The tongue is a heavy muscle:
- Loss of muscle tone:
- Gravity:
The tongue is composed of many muscles that work together to help us speak, eat, and swallow. It’s one of the strongest muscles in the human body and also one of the heaviest, weighing in at about 70 grams. When the muscles of the tongue lose their tone after death, its weight causes it to fall forward.
When a person dies, the muscles throughout their body lose all tone and become completely flaccid. This loss of muscle control is a result of the cessation of energy production that occurs after death. Without muscle tone, the tongue falls forward and can protrude out of the mouth.
Once a person dies, all of the muscles that keep the body in a certain position stop working. This means that the forces of gravity take over, and the body begins to droop in a downward direction. Since the tongue is a heavy muscle, it’s one of the first things to be affected by gravity and can droop down and out of the mouth.
Medical professionals who deal with death and autopsy know that the tongue can be an indicator of how long a person has been dead. If the tongue is still in the mouth, this could indicate that the person has not been dead for very long. However, if the tongue is protruding out of the mouth, this could indicate that the person has been dead for a longer period of time, and rigor mortis has already set in.
In conclusion, gravity plays a significant role in the drooping of the tongue after death. The tongue’s weight, coupled with the loss of muscle tone, causes it to fall forward and protrude out of the mouth. This, however, isn’t a definitive indicator of the time of death; it’s merely one of the many ways medical professionals can use to determine the time of death.
| The Role of Gravity in Tongue Drooping after Death |
|---|
| Tongue droop is caused by the loss of muscle tone, tongue weight, and gravity. |
| The position of the tongue can be an indicator of how long a person has been dead. |
| The tongue is one of the strongest and heaviest muscles in the human body, weighing approximately 70 grams. |
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2590542/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm199901213400305
Cultural and Religious Significance of Tongue Protrusion after Death
Throughout history, many cultures and religions have attached specific meaning and significance to the protrusion of the tongue after death. Here are some of the most notable:
- Ancient Egypt: In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the goddess Hathor was often depicted sticking out her tongue, symbolizing her power over life and death. It is believed that when an individual died and their tongue was visibly protruding, it indicated a successful transition into the afterlife.
- Tibetan Buddhism: In Tibetan Buddhism, the tongue is believed to represent the life force of an individual. A peaceful death is said to result in a protruding tongue, while a violent or traumatic death would cause the tongue to remain within the mouth.
- Chinese Culture: In Chinese culture, it is believed that a protruding tongue is indicative of the soul exiting the body and beginning its journey into the afterlife. It is also believed that a tongue pointing straight out the mouth is a sign of good luck.
Despite the varying beliefs across cultures, the protrusion of the tongue after death is generally seen as a positive sign, representing a successful transition into the afterlife. In some cases, it has also been interpreted as a final gesture of defiance against death itself.
In modern times, the scientific explanation for tongue protrusion after death is far less mystical – it is simply a result of the relaxation of muscles in the body. However, the cultural and religious significance attached to the phenomenon continues to endure.
| Culture/Religion | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Successful transition into the afterlife |
| Tibetan Buddhism | Protruding tongue signifies a peaceful death |
| Chinese Culture | Tongue represents the soul exiting the body; a straight tongue is a sign of good luck |
Despite the scientific explanation of tongue protrusion after death, the cultural and religious significance associated with it highlights the diversity and richness of human belief systems throughout history.
Medical Forensics and Tongue Protrusion as a Sign of Asphyxia
Asphyxia refers to the lack of adequate oxygen supply to the body that can lead to organ failure and ultimately, death. A common misconception is that when someone dies, the tongue comes out and protrudes from the mouth. In reality, this only happens within a specific context, which medical examiners and forensic scientists have extensively studied and documented.
- Asphyxia can cause the tongue to protrude due to the relaxation of the tongue and jaw muscles. This relaxation is a result of the body’s response to hypoxia: the loss of oxygen to the brain and nervous system.
- Tongue protrusion can also occur as a consequence of pressure being put on the back of the neck as a person is strangled or choked. This can cause the blood vessels in the neck to compress, which in turn limits blood and oxygen supply to the brain and tongue muscles.
- Toxic substances, such as alcohol or drugs, can also cause tongue protrusion upon death. This is because certain substances can slow down or stop breathing, leading to a lack of oxygen supply to the body.
Medical examiners and forensic scientists use tongue protrusion as a sign of asphyxia to help determine the cause and manner of death. They will also look for other indicators of asphyxia, such as petechial hemorrhages (tiny red dots in the eyes and skin due to ruptured capillaries), cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels), and signs of trauma or struggle.
Examining the tongue and mouth can also provide valuable information about the circumstances surrounding a person’s death. For example, abrasions or cuts inside the mouth may indicate that a person was forced to ingest something, while the presence of vomit or other bodily fluids in the airways can suggest that a person died from suffocation.
| Causes of Tongue Protrusion as a Sign of Asphyxia | Symptoms and Indicators |
|---|---|
| Hypoxia | Relaxation of tongue and jaw muscles |
| Strangulation or Choking | Compression of blood vessels in the neck, leading to limited blood and oxygen supply to the brain and tongue muscles |
| Toxic Substances | Slowing or cessation of breathing, leading to lack of oxygen supply to the body |
In conclusion, while tongue protrusion upon death can be a sign of asphyxia, it is important to evaluate this indicator alongside other symptoms and indicators of asphyxia. Medical examiners and forensic scientists carefully examine the tongue and mouth to gain insights into the circumstances surrounding a person’s death and ultimately determine the cause and manner of death.
Relationship Between Age, Health, and Tongue Protrusion after Death
After death, one of the common phenomena that people observe is the tongue protrusion. It has been a matter of curiosity for centuries, and a lot of theories have been proposed to explain the reason behind this phenomenon. However, recent research has shown that there is a relationship between age, health, and tongue protrusion after death.
- Age: As we age, the muscles in our body start losing their tone and become lax. This includes the muscles in the tongue. Therefore, the tongue tends to drop back into the throat after death due to the loss of muscle tone.
- Health: The health of an individual also plays a significant role in the protrusion of the tongue after death. People with underlying medical conditions, such as respiratory failure, are at a higher risk of tongue protrusion after death due to the loss of muscle tone and relaxation of the tongue muscles.
- Position of the body: The position of the body also has a significant impact on the protrusion of the tongue after death. If the body is lying flat on the back, the tongue is likely to fall back into the throat. On the other hand, if the body is lying on its side or face down, there is a lower chance of tongue protrusion.
However, it is essential to note that not all cases of tongue protrusion after death are related to age and health. There have been incidences where the tongue protrusion was due to other factors such as rigor mortis or pressure on the neck during transportation.
Below is a table outlining the causes of tongue protrusion after death:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Loss of muscle tone | The tongue muscle becomes lax and falls back into the throat. |
| Underlying medical conditions | People with respiratory failure or other medical conditions are at a higher risk of tongue protrusion after death. |
| Position of the body | The position of the body plays a significant role in the occurrence of tongue protrusion after death. |
| Rigor mortis | The stiffening of muscles that occurs after death can also cause the tongue to protrude. |
| Pressure on the neck during transportation | During transportation, pressure on the neck can push the tongue out of the mouth. |
Thus, age and health are crucial factors that contribute to tongue protrusion after death. However, other factors such as position and rigor mortis may also play a role.
The Evolutionary Purpose and Mechanism Behind Tongue Protrusion after Death
Despite the unsettling sight of a protruding tongue after death, there are scientific reasons behind this phenomenon. Tongue protrusion is actually a common occurrence in corpses and has been observed in cases of both natural and traumatic death. Let’s explore the evolutionary purpose and mechanism behind this phenomenon.
- Purpose: The tongue protrusion after death is a result of the loss of muscle tone in the body, which affects the entire body, including the tongue. It is not a conscious or deliberate act, but rather a result of gravity and the body’s relaxation response.
- Mechanism: The tongue is a powerful muscle that is responsible for many functions in the body, including speech and swallowing. The tongue is connected to several muscles and bones, including the hyoid bone, which supports the tongue in the mouth. When a person dies, the body’s muscles begin to relax and lose their tone. This relaxation causes the hyoid bone to drop, and the tongue falls back towards the throat, eventually protruding out of the mouth. The length of time it takes for the tongue to start protruding after death varies depending on several factors, including the person’s position at the time of death, the level of dehydration of the body, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions.
It is worth noting that tongue protrusion is not always present in corpses. In some cases, the tongue remains in the mouth due to the position of the body or muscle stiffness after death. Additionally, it is not a reliable indicator of time of death or cause of death. Forensic investigators must use a combination of other factors, such as body temperature, rigor mortis, and insect activity to determine the time of death.
Overall, the tongue protrusion after death is a natural and common phenomenon that occurs due to the loss of muscle tone and relaxation of the body. While it may be unsettling to witness, it is not a cause for concern or a reliable indicator of cause or time of death.
| Factors affecting tongue protrusion after death: | Description: |
|---|---|
| Body position | The position of the body at the time of death can affect the movement of muscles, including the tongue. |
| Hydration | The level of hydration in the body can affect muscle relaxation after death. |
| Medical conditions | Underlying medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia, can affect muscle tone and the timing of tongue protrusion after death. |
| Cause of Death | The cause of death, such as traumatic injury or natural causes, can affect the timing of tongue protrusion after death. |
Understanding the underlying factors and mechanisms behind tongue protrusion after death can provide insight into the human body’s natural processes and evolution.
Manifestation of Other Post-Mortem Changes and Tongue Displacement
After death, the body goes through a series of changes that can be categorized into two broad groups: somatic changes and pathological changes. Somatic changes are those that occur as a result of physiological processes, while pathological changes are those that are caused by disease or injury.
One of the most noticeable somatic changes that occur after death is known as rigor mortis, which is the temporary stiffness of the body due to the loss of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a necessary chemical for muscle movement. This effect usually begins to manifest around two to six hours after death and is generally complete in twelve hours. Rigor mortis then begins to loosen up within the next forty-eight hours, and the body returns to its soft and pliable state.
- The autolysis process that begins shortly after death can also cause dramatic changes in the body, including skin slippage, discoloration, and the release of gases. These changes contribute to the characteristic smell of a decomposing body and often spread from the oral cavity.
- The displacement of the tongue is a common post-mortem change, which causes the tongue to protrude out of the mouth in some individuals. The tongue becomes relaxed and loses its tone during the process of dying. As a result, it often falls backward in the throat due to gravity.
- In rare cases, air can become trapped behind the tongue, causing it to puff up and create a protrusion of the tongue. Such puffing of the tongue can happen relatively quickly after death, and it tends to occur in cases where the mouth was open at the time of death.
Another somatic change that takes place after death is algor mortis, the cooling of the body from the core to the surface. This effect is usually complete within 24 hours of death. The body’s core temperature will drop by approximately 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour after death, until it reaches the surrounding environment’s temperature. After the temperature equalizes, the body will not further cool.
Beyond somatic changes, the body may exhibit various pathological changes that affect specific organs or tissues. For example, hypostatic congestion occurs when blood pools in the lower part of the body, causing a blue discoloration of the skin. Brain swelling or cerebral edema can occur due to excessively high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, particularly in cases of suffocation or Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
| Post-mortem change | Description |
|---|---|
| Livor mortis | The pooling of blood in the lowest regions of the body due to gravity, which results in discoloration of the skin. |
| Decomposition | The breaking down of organic tissue due to the activity of bacteria and fungi. |
| Kidney changes | The kidneys become pale and shrink immediately after death. |
Understanding the somatic and pathological changes that occur after death can provide crucial information to aid the diagnosis of the cause of death. This knowledge helps forensic pathologists and medical examiners determine if a death was a result of natural causes or external factors, such as a disease or injury. By studying post-mortem changes, we can gain a more detailed understanding of how the body functions, how it lets go of life, and how it becomes a source of new life for other organisms.
Misidentification of Tongue Protrusion after Death as an Indicator of Foul Play.
One common misconception regarding tongue protrusion after death is that it immediately indicates foul play. However, this is not always the case. Here are some reasons why misidentification of tongue protrusion as an indicator of foul play can occur:
- Lividity: Lividity, also known as postmortem hypostasis, is a process that occurs after death where blood settles in the lowest parts of the body. This can cause the tongue to protrude, giving the impression of foul play.
- Rigor Mortis: Rigor mortis is a stiffening of the body that occurs in the hours after death. The tongue can become stiff and stick out in this process, but it is not necessarily a sign of foul play.
- Decomposition: As the body decomposes, gases can build up and cause the tongue to protrude. This is not an indication of foul play.
Myths about Tongue Protrusion after Death
There are also several myths surrounding tongue protrusion after death that can lead to misidentification of foul play.
Myth: If the tongue is out, it means the person suffocated: While it is true that suffocation can sometimes cause tongue protrusion, it is not always the case.
Myth: If the tongue is out, it means the person was strangled: Similar to suffocation, strangulation can cause tongue protrusion, but it is not definitive proof of foul play.
Conclusion
Tongue protrusion after death is not always an indication of foul play. While it is important for forensic investigators to consider all possibilities, they must also be aware of the various factors that can lead to misidentification. By understanding the science behind tongue protrusion, investigators can make more accurate conclusions about the circumstances of a person’s death.
Frequently Asked Questions about Why Tongue Comes Out After Death
1. Why do dead bodies stick their tongues out?
In many cases, when someone passes away, the muscles in their body tend to relax. This includes the muscles that keep the tongue in place. As a result, the tongue may fall backward and out of the mouth.
2. Is the tongue sticking out a sign of violent death?
While a protruding tongue can be a sign of stress or struggle during the final moments of someone’s life, it does not necessarily mean that the death was violent. There can be many reasons why a person’s tongue would come out after death.
3. Is it true that rigor mortis causes the tongue to stick out?
No, rigor mortis is the stiffening of the body that occurs after a person has died. It does not cause the tongue to stick out. However, once the muscles in the tongue and jaw begin to relax, the tongue may protrude from the mouth.
4. Can the tongue stay stuck out after death?
It is possible for the tongue to remain sticking out after death. However, this is not always the case. Many factors can influence the position of the tongue, including the position of the body.
5. Can the tongue come out after death from natural causes?
Yes, a person’s tongue can come out after they pass away from natural causes. This is because the muscles in the body tend to relax as the body starts to shut down.
6. Is the tongue sticking out a sign of decomposition?
A protruding tongue is not necessarily a sign of decomposition. It is simply a result of the body’s muscles relaxing after death. However, as the body decomposes, the tongue may become more visible or change in appearance.
7. Can the tongue be repositioned after death?
It is possible to reposition the tongue after death. However, this is typically done during the embalming process by a professional funeral director or mortician.
The Truth About Why Tongue Comes Out After Death
While a protruding tongue after death can seem alarming or even eerie to some people, it is actually a natural and common occurrence. As the muscles in the body begin to relax, the tongue may fall backward and out of the mouth. It is not necessarily a sign of anything sinister or unusual. So there you have it, the truth about why the tongue comes out after death. Thanks for reading and please visit again soon!