A body recovered from a damp, warm, and airtight environment shows a greasy, wax-like substance replacing the soft tissues. This change typically becomes apparent after:
- A 24-48 hours
- B 3-6 weeks ✓
- C 1-2 weeks
- D 3-6 months
Correct answer: B. 3-6 weeks
Explanation
Adipocere (saponification) is a postmortem change where body fat is converted to a greasy, wax-like substance by hydrolysis and hydrogenation. It requires moisture and bacterial action, and is favored by warm, damp, airtight conditions. It typically becomes apparent after 3-6 weeks and may take 3-6 months to fully develop. It preserves body contours but destroys fine details.
Reference: Reddy's Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.