What indicates changes in the position of a body after death?

Livor mortis is the phenomenon that indicates changes in the position of a body after death. It refers to the settling of blood in the lower portions of the body due to gravity, which occurs after circulation ceases. This process typically begins within 30 minutes to a few hours after death and can help determine the position of the body at the time of death by revealing areas where the blood has pooled.

As livor mortis develops, it can create distinct discolorations on the skin, which are particularly pronounced on the parts of the body that are in contact with a surface. If the body is moved after livor mortis sets in, the pattern of discoloration may change, providing valuable information during an investigation about the original position of the body.

This process is distinct from rigor mortis, which involves the stiffening of muscles; algor mortis, which refers to the cooling of the body; and postmortem interval, which is the time elapsed since death. While all these terms relate to postmortem changes, livor mortis specifically pertains to the blood's distribution and helps indicate the position of the body after death.