What does post mortem lividity refer to?

Post mortem lividity, also known as hypostasis or livor mortis, refers to the purplish discoloration that occurs in parts of the body after death. This phenomenon happens as blood settles in the lowest parts of the body due to gravity, causing visible discoloration on the skin, especially in areas that are not in contact with any surface.

This discoloration begins to develop within a few hours after death and can provide crucial information regarding the position of the body at the time of death, as well as other details relevant to forensic analysis. Its significance lies in helping forensic investigators establish timelines and the circumstances surrounding a death.

In contrast, other options describe unrelated concepts: body decomposition refers to the process of the body breaking down, body stiffness is known as rigor mortis, and a coroner's determination of the cause of death pertains to investigative findings rather than a physical post-mortem change.