In early putrefaction, the characteristic greenish discoloration first appears over the:

• A Face, especially around the eyes and lips
• B Bilateral flank regions below the costal margins
• C Neck and upper chest
• D Right iliac fossa ✓

Explanation

The right iliac fossa is the site where greenish discoloration of putrefaction first appears externally, corresponding to the underlying caecum — the most superficially situated and bacteria-rich segment of the large intestine. Clostridium welchii and other gram-negative anaerobic bacteria produce hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), which combines with haemoglobin to form sulphmethaemoglobin and then iron sulphide, producing the green-black discoloration. In hot tropical climates, this may appear within 24–48 hours of death; the face and neck become involved later as putrefaction progresses.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.