Complexity and forensic pathology. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Richard Martin
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 257(2015)
• Page Start: e38
• Page End: e43
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Complexity -- Chaos -- Nonlinear -- Pathophysiology -- Forensic pathology -- Forensic medicine; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.08.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: Nonlinearity and complexity are the norm in physiology. Complexity science informs pathophysiology. Complexity thinking informs our understanding of complex death scenarios. Complexity thinking is relevant to many aspects of forensic medicine and pathology. Abstract: It has become increasingly apparent that nonlinearity and complexity are the norm in human physiological systems, the relevance of which is informing an enhanced understanding of basic pathological processes such as inflammation, the host response to severe trauma, and critical illness. This article will explore how an understanding of nonlinear systems and complexity might inform the study of the pathophysiology of deaths of medicolegal interest, and how 'complexity thinking' might usefully be incorporated into modern forensic medicine and forensic pathology research, education and practice.