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... > social science subjects > sociology > aging and the life course > death and dying > disposition of the deceased > decomposition
... > social science subjects > health and social care > health sciences > death and dying > disposition of the deceased > decomposition
... > social science subjects > psychology > behavior mechanisms > human development > death and dying > disposition of the deceased > decomposition
... > social science subjects > counseling and psychotherapy > counseling > human development and life transitions > death and dying > disposition of the deceased > decomposition

Preferred term

decomposition  

Definition

  • Decomposition is an essential part of the life cycle of any living organism (human beings are no exception) as it is the means by which nutrients are returned to the soil to nourish other life forms. Shortly after death, the body begins to undergo a process whereby the tissues begin to break down and decay; this process is referred to as decomposition. [Source: Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience; Decomposition]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/decomposition

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