Which term describes the color of death due to lividity that occurs after death?

Which term describes the color of death due to lividity that occurs after death?

• A. Livor Mortis
• B. Rigor Mortis
• C. Algor Mortis
• D. Putrefaction

Answer: (A)

Postmortem discoloration caused by blood settling in the body's dependent parts is called livor mortis. After circulation stops, gravity pulls blood into the lowest areas, producing a purple-red to bluish hue in those spots. This color change is what the term refers to, and it helps investigators infer body position after death and, with other signs, estimate time since death. It’s different from rigor mortis (stiffening of muscles), algor mortis (cooling of the body), and putrefaction (decomposition).

Postmortem discoloration caused by blood settling in the body's dependent parts is called livor mortis. After circulation stops, gravity pulls blood into the lowest areas, producing a purple-red to bluish hue in those spots. This color change is what the term refers to, and it helps investigators infer body position after death and, with other signs, estimate time since death. It’s different from rigor mortis (stiffening of muscles), algor mortis (cooling of the body), and putrefaction (decomposition).