Which term refers to the bodily changes post-death that can help determine if a body has been moved?

Which term refers to the bodily changes post-death that can help determine if a body has been moved?

• A. Rigor mortis
• B. Postmortem lividity
• C. Putrefaction
• D. Soft tissue indicators

Answer: (B)

Postmortem lividity is a key concept in forensic investigations, particularly in determining whether a body has been moved after death. This phenomenon occurs when the heart stops beating, leading to the gravitational pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body, creating detectable marks on the skin. This process typically begins within 30 minutes to two hours after death and becomes fixed in about 6 to 12 hours. When assessing a corpse found in one position but with lividity indicating blood pooling in another area, investigators can infer that the body was potentially moved after death. This evidence becomes critical in establishing timelines and reconstructing the circumstances surrounding the death. The distinct characteristics of postmortem lividity—such as color changes and patterns—are integral for forensic experts when determining the position of the body at the time of death and any subsequent movements.

Postmortem lividity is a key concept in forensic investigations, particularly in determining whether a body has been moved after death. This phenomenon occurs when the heart stops beating, leading to the gravitational pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body, creating detectable marks on the skin. This process typically begins within 30 minutes to two hours after death and becomes fixed in about 6 to 12 hours.

When assessing a corpse found in one position but with lividity indicating blood pooling in another area, investigators can infer that the body was potentially moved after death. This evidence becomes critical in establishing timelines and reconstructing the circumstances surrounding the death. The distinct characteristics of postmortem lividity—such as color changes and patterns—are integral for forensic experts when determining the position of the body at the time of death and any subsequent movements.