What is one common post-mortem change that occurs in a deceased body?

What is one common post-mortem change that occurs in a deceased body?

• A. Rigidity
• B. Livor mortis
• C. Pallor mortis
• D. Algor mortis

Answer: (B)

Livor mortis refers to the pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body after death, due to the cessation of circulation. This process begins shortly after death, typically within 30 minutes to 2 hours, and can last for several hours as the body starts to cool. As blood settles in the dependent areas of the body, it can create distinct purple or maroon discoloration on the skin, which can help forensic investigators estimate the time of death and assess whether the body has been moved after death. This phenomenon is significant in forensic science as it provides valuable information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death. Other changes, such as rigor mortis (stiffening of muscles), pallor mortis (the paleness after death), and algor mortis (the cooling of the body), occur as well but are distinct processes from the pooling of blood that defines livor mortis. Therefore, livor mortis stands out as a primary and recognizable change occurring post-mortem.

Livor mortis refers to the pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body after death, due to the cessation of circulation. This process begins shortly after death, typically within 30 minutes to 2 hours, and can last for several hours as the body starts to cool. As blood settles in the dependent areas of the body, it can create distinct purple or maroon discoloration on the skin, which can help forensic investigators estimate the time of death and assess whether the body has been moved after death. This phenomenon is significant in forensic science as it provides valuable information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death.

Other changes, such as rigor mortis (stiffening of muscles), pallor mortis (the paleness after death), and algor mortis (the cooling of the body), occur as well but are distinct processes from the pooling of blood that defines livor mortis. Therefore, livor mortis stands out as a primary and recognizable change occurring post-mortem.