The Anatomy of Burning Alive

Fire is widely considered one of the most agonizing ways for a human being to

perish. But what exactly happens to the intricate systems of the body during

this process? Within the first few seconds, the epidermis is scorched.

Nerve endings located just beneath the surface of the skin are triggered simultaneously,

sending overwhelming signals of pain to the brain. As the heat reaches the deeper

dermis, the nerves themselves are incinerated. Paradoxically, the victim may

stop feeling the external pain as the receptors are destroyed by the rising temperature.

However, the real killer is often internal. Inhaling superheated air and toxic smoke