Among the following structures, which one resists putrefaction for the LONGEST period?

• A Liver
• B Non-gravid uterus ✓
• C Spleen
• D Kidney

Explanation

Putrefaction of solid organs follows a fairly constant order: the liver, spleen and kidneys, being vascular and soft, liquefy relatively early. The prostate gland and the non-gravid uterus are the last structures to putrefy, so their recognition in a decomposed pelvis helps confirm sex when external features are destroyed. A gravid uterus putrefies much earlier because of its size and vascularity. Brain of infants and the stomach also decompose early, making them unreliable markers in advanced decomposition.

Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.