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Biology/blood from body

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Expert: - 5/11/2009


Question
Hello:
Since you are an expert in anatomy, you are right for the question. I am writing a fictional story where vampires drain a body completely of blood. The police sees it, but what does he see? How should I describe the female victims corpse after it has been completely drained of blood?
Thanks.

Answer
Dear Demetrius,

The only outward sign of a complete lack of blood in a human body would be that the skin or any other area (mucous membranes, organs, etc.) would have no trace of pink or reddish coloration.  They would be grey to white.

The body might also look a bit desiccated and a little bit "deflated", but not much, since not all the liquid in the body is in the bloodstream.

I'm not sure a vampire would have the suction capacity to empty every single blood cell from every single capillary (that's one hungry vampire!), but there you have it.  Good luck!

Dana

Biology

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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