Livor mortis

Livormortis (also known as postmortem hypostasis, cadaveric lividity, darkening of death, and postmortem lividity) is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the body after death. It is characterized by a purplish red discoloration of the skin, which is caused by the gravitational pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body following cessation of the circulation.

Overview

Livormortis is one of the recognizable signs of death, along with rigor mortis and algor mortis. It begins to develop 20-30 minutes after death, becomes fully apparent within 2 hours, and disappears within 36 hours. The discoloration is initially blanchable, meaning it disappears when pressure is applied, but becomes fixed after 8-12 hours.

Mechanism

The mechanism of livor mortis involves the cessation of circulation after death, which causes the blood to settle in the lower (or dependent) parts of the body due to gravity. This results in a purplish-red discoloration of the skin in these areas. The discoloration is initially blanchable, meaning it disappears when pressure is applied, but becomes fixed after 8-12 hours.

Significance in Forensic Science

In forensic science, livor mortis can provide important information about the time and circumstances of death. For example, the pattern of lividity can indicate whether the body has been moved after death. If the pattern of lividity does not match the position in which the body was found, it suggests that the body was moved.

See Also

• Rigor mortis
• Algor mortis
• Forensic pathology
• Death

References

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