4 of 20 Which of the following best describes livor mortis? The settling of blood in the body after death The loosening of muscles after death The stiffening of muscles after death The closing of eyes after death

## Step 1<br />Livor mortis, also known as lividity or hypostasis, is a postmortem condition that occurs due to the gravitational pull on the blood in the body after death. This process leads to the pooling of blood in the lowest parts of the body, which can cause discoloration of the skin.<br />## Step 2<br />The other options provided, such as the loosening of muscles, the stiffening of muscles, and the closing of eyes, are not related to livor mortis. These are different postmortem changes that occur in the body after death.<br />## Step 3<br />The stiffening of muscles is known as rigor mortis, which is a separate postmortem change that occurs in the body after death.<br />## Step 4<br />The closing of eyes is not a recognized postmortem change and is not related to livor mortis.