I am fortunate enough to not have ever been in a situation where there was a smell of rotting flesh but every time I hear it mentioned I wonder what it's like. It may seem weird, I know, but I am simply curious. What is it that makes rotting flesh smell so 'bad'? Whilst researching this I found out about the whole process of human decomposition, which is truly a very interesting process.
The process of decomposition begins with autolysis, cells in the body are poisoned by the carbon dioxide in the blood, the decrease in pH and the accumulation of wastes. Also enzymes in cells start to digest the cells themselves, causing ruptures and releasing nutrient rich fluids. After enough fluids are available. The stage of putrefaction, which produces the infamous odour, begins.
Microorganisms, destroy the soft tissues of the body and these are broken down into gases, liquids and simpler molecules. When these are excreted by the bacteria, they include amines like putrescine and cadaverine, which are responsible for the smell. These gases diffuse through the body and show as an obvious bloating of the torso and then limbs. These bacteria consume all availible proteins, before the next stage begins, skeletonisation.
Hello Charlotte, I wish someone would answer your question (interesting research btw) as I am also curious to know, as I am writing a work of fiction which involves the encounter with the smell of rotting flesh.
ReplyDeleteThe only help I can offer, is that human decomposition must be like that of other mammals. I cycle a great deal and am unfortunate on occasions to pass road kill. I had to pass a dead badger and a dead dear (huge beast) for some weeks. Both smelt BAD the nearest thing I can think of is natural gas but very acrid. I suppose there is no other smell like it.
I also gather from my mother who was a medical illustrator who had to draw at post-mortem examinations, that when the intestines are opened, the smell is indescribably ghastly. If such trauma has occured, it could add to the stench of decomposition I suppose.
But there again there are no words to describe the smell of a septic tank...
Good luck!
I think it smells kinda like mold, either that or musty honey....weird.
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