Which postmortem change results in purplish-red discoloration of the skin due to blood pooling?

• A. Nitro chloroform
• B. Maggot(s)
• C. Livor Mortis
• D. Larynx

Answer: (C)

Livor mortis is the postmortem change that causes purplish-red discoloration of the skin due to blood pooling under gravity after the heart stops. As circulation ceases, blood settles in the dependent parts of the body, producing a visible stain on those surfaces. The timing helps estimate how long since death and whether the body has been moved, since the coloration follows the body’s position and becomes fixed after several hours. This differs from other postmortem changes like rigor mortis (stiffening of the muscles), algor mortis (cooling of the body), or signs of decomposition such as maggot activity. The discoloration described is specific to livor mortis.