But what happens to your body after you die is fascinating.

So we're going to show you.

Don't worry, it won't be gross...much.

Once a person's breathing stops

the cells in their body stops receiving oxygen,

but the cells continue to live for several minutes

generating carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is acidic,

and it builds up, rupturing sacs inside the cells.

These sacs contain enzymes

that begin to digest the cell from the inside out.

This creates a blister-like fluid rich in nutrients.

After about a week, those nutrients

fuel an army of bacteria and fungai

that further liquify organs and muscles.

The microbes that attack the tissue

produce a bewildering array of 400 chemicals and gasses.

They include Freon, that's right,

the coolant found in refridgerators.

Benzene, a powerful component in gasoline.

Sulfur, which smells of swamps and rotten eggs.

And the molecule known as Carbon Tetrachloride,

which was used in fire extinguishers and dry cleaning

until scientists discovered it's highly toxic.

At this point, there's very little flesh left,

and it's consumed by...here it comes...

maggots and beetles.

Insects leave only bones behind.

Over time, the protein in bone decomposes too,

leaving just the bone mineral called Hydroxyapatite,

which eventually turns to dust.

We can take some solace in the fact

that all those nutrients and chemicals, even the dust,

provide vital substances that make soils fertile,

sprouting plants and other new life

after our lives have ended.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

[Written and narrated by Mark Fischetti] [Assistant Editor: Kathryn Free]

[Produced, edited & animated by Eric R. Olson] [English Subtitles: heberhouse1]