________ is the decomposition of body tissue.

• A. Cadaveric Spasm
• B. Putrefaction
• C. Lividity
• D. Rigor Mortis

Answer: (B)

Putrefaction is the decomposition of body tissue caused by bacterial action after death. Bacteria from the gut and elsewhere break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in tissues, producing gases and foul-smelling compounds that lead to bloating, color changes, and a characteristic odor. This process marks tissue breakdown occurring over time with exposure, and it is distinct from other postmortem changes: rigor mortis is the temporary stiffening of muscles, lividity (cadaveric lividity) is the pooling of blood creating discoloration, and a cadaveric spasm is a sudden, immediate rigid contraction at the moment of death.