How can Postmortem Stains occur in a body?

Postmortem stains occur primarily due to the process of livor mortis, which is the settling of blood in the lower parts of the body after death due to gravity. When the heart stops pumping, the blood begins to pool, and as the tissues decompose, heme from the red blood cells can seep through the walls of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues. This process results in the characteristic discoloration known as postmortem staining.

The correct choice highlights that this seepage of heme is a natural biological process that happens after death, leading to the development of visible stains on the skin. It emphasizes the physiological and biochemical reactions occurring within the body during the early stages of decomposition. Conversely, while external contamination, inks from embalming, or improper positioning during embalming can affect the appearance of the body, they are not mechanisms by which postmortem stains primarily arise. Thus, understanding livor mortis and the role of heme in postmortem changes is crucial for recognizing the correct cause of postmortem stains.