Why Do People Explode? (Q forMed. Students/Doctors)?

Question

I'm serious. One time this officer was called to the scene in regards to a homeless man that died. The officer went over to touch him, and the guy exploded meaning all his life juice went all over the officer. It stank so bad the officer nearly passed out, and later on he had to throw his uniform away?

What is this called??? Is there a special term??? And why do people explode. Keep in mind he was already dead...

ANd it's not spontaneous combustion either..............

Answer 1

I don't know the correct name but its from the gases that come from the bacteria in our body.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if there's a special term for it, but...

Your body has all sorts of bacteria in it that produce gas as a waste. Normally, gut motility, your immune system, and normal replenishment of your epithelium is enough to keep these organisms at manageable levels. Some of them even help us digest foods and give us nutrients.

When you die, all of those defenses are gone and the bacteria eat through the gut and into the spaces between your organs which are just loose connective tissue. They release gas as a byproduct and if there enough obstruction, this gas can build to fairly high pressures. The officer in question just popped the "balloon", so to speak.