What does mummification refer to in forensic analysis?

Mummification in forensic analysis specifically refers to the preservation of a body through dehydration. This process can occur naturally in arid environments or can be artificially induced as part of embalming practices. When a body is dehydrated, the moisture is removed, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and other organisms that cause decomposition. As a result, the tissues and organs of the body become desiccated and resistant to decay, allowing for the preservation of anatomical details that can be crucial during forensic investigations.

While the removal of internal organs is a component of certain embalming practices, it is not the essence of mummification itself. Blood dispersal analysis pertains to the study of blood patterns at crime scenes, which is unrelated to the preservation process. DNA extraction deals with obtaining genetic material from biological samples, and though it is important in forensic analysis, it does not involve the preservation of the body through dehydration mechanisms that characterizes mummification.