What is the term for a purplish discoloration observable on parts of the body nearest the ground?

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

Answer: (A)

After death, circulation stops and gravity pulls blood to the lowest parts of the body, causing a purplish discoloration known as postmortem lividity (livor mortis). This deposition occurs in the parts nearest the ground because they are the dependent areas where blood settles. It helps investigators estimate time since death and whether the body was moved after death. The other terms refer to different changes: cadaveric spasm is an immediate stiffening of muscles at death; putrefaction is the decomposition process with odor and color changes; rigor mortis is the general stiffening of muscles due to chemical changes after death.