What is a key feature of livor mortis?

The key feature of livor mortis is the pooling of blood in dependent areas of the body after death. This occurs due to gravity, which causes the blood to settle in the lowest lying parts of the body, resulting in a purplish discoloration of the skin. This phenomenon is typically observed within a few hours after death and can help forensic experts estimate the time of death.

The process is a crucial aspect in forensic science as it provides valuable information about the position of the body after death. Understanding livor mortis can also aid in determining whether a body has been moved after death, as the pattern of pooling may change if the position is altered.

Other features like bruises, rigor mortis (postmortem rigidity), and gas bubbles are associated with different postmortem changes, but they do not define livor mortis specifically. The pooling of blood serves as the primary indicator of this physical change in the body after death.