How long after death do hair and nails continue to grow and by how much?
2006-10-29 08:39:32 · 9 answers · asked by theothompkin 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Actually, I heard the same thing, that hair does continue to grow, but I have no idea for how long...it probably varies from person to person, and what type of environment they're in....creeeeepy!!
2006-10-29 08:47:06 · answer #1 · answered by ßαßε 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just saw a show on Discovery Channel last week, and this question came up. The PhD on the show said that hair and nails do NOT continue to grow post-mortem; rather, the skin and follicles shrink back due to dehydration, giving the appearance that the nails and hair have grown when they in fact have not.
2006-10-29 08:47:29 · answer #2 · answered by nido_tr3s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They Dont!!!
Cells stop growing at the moment of death so no more growth of hair and nails can occur!
Its an urban myth that growth continues, possible because the tissues of a corpse shrinks and makes it appear that growth has occured.
2006-10-29 08:43:40 · answer #3 · answered by huggz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't. Everything stops at the time of death. Because the body looses fluids during embalming the skin around the fingernails recedes a little, making the nail appear to grow.
2006-10-29 08:42:52 · answer #4 · answered by wildbill05733 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hair and nail growth ceases with death. There is an illusion that they continue to grow, because decomposition and dessication result in the skin receding.
2006-10-29 08:48:37 · answer #5 · answered by Jim Z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't grow. The body shrinks when it dies. As the skin pulls back from the hair and nails, they appear to grow.
2006-10-29 08:47:53 · answer #6 · answered by OU812 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh,that tired myth again !they stop growing the SECOND ur heart stops !!!! no blood supply=no tissue growth.it often APPEARS that hair/nails are longer,but its an ILLUSION.after death,ur tissues dehydrate and shrink.thus,shrinkage of scalp,cuticles,etc.,makes it look as if theyve grown,but actually,its only that the dry,dead,tissue has receded.
2006-10-29 08:50:59 · answer #7 · answered by Lyn K 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They don't. They only appear to due to the body dehydrating which in turn causes the tissue to recede.
2006-10-29 08:46:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THe skin shirnks...the nails do not grow.
2006-10-29 08:48:00 · answer #9 · answered by Wicked 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋