I'm a specialist in the field of human biology and physiology, and I'm here to provide you with a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the physiological changes that occur after death.

Death is a complex process that involves a series of changes in the human body. When a person dies, the cessation of vital functions such as breathing and circulation leads to a cascade of events that affect the entire body. One of the first noticeable changes is the relaxation of all muscles, including the sphincter muscles. These muscles are responsible for controlling the release of waste from the body.

The sphincter muscles are circular muscles that are found at various points in the body, including the anus and the urinary bladder. They function by contracting and relaxing to control the passage of substances. When a person dies, the immediate and complete relaxation of these muscles occurs due to the absence of neural signals that would normally cause them to remain contracted.

As Jorgenson mentioned, if there is any residual waste in the bowel or bladder at the time of death, the relaxation of the sphincters could potentially allow this waste to be expelled. However, this is not a guaranteed outcome, as several factors can influence whether or not this happens. These factors include the amount of waste present, the individual's state of health prior to death, and the specific circumstances surrounding the death.

It's also important to note that the body undergoes other changes post-mortem that can affect the release of waste. For example, the process of rigor mortis, which is the stiffening of the body after death, can also have an impact. Rigor mortis occurs as a result of chemical changes within the muscles and typically sets in several hours after death. The onset and progression of rigor mortis can vary depending on factors such as temperature and the individual's physical condition.

Furthermore, the body's temperature begins to drop after death, a process known as algor mortis. This cooling can slow down the decomposition process and affect the release of gases and fluids from the body.

In summary, while it is possible for waste to be expelled from the body after death due to the relaxation of the sphincter muscles, the actual occurrence is influenced by a variety of factors. The body's post-mortem changes, including rigor mortis and algor mortis, play a significant role in these processes.

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While rigor mortis sets in eventually, as soon as you die, every muscle in your body relaxes. That includes the sphincters that are in charge of keeping your bladder and bowels on lockdown, says Jorgenson. So if there is anything to expel, it could possibly seep out.Mar 6, 2015read more >>