Question

A 30-year-old male dead body was brought for autopsy. The doctor notices greyish white waxy material with preserved facial features. Which is true of the following change?

• A. High temperature needed
• B. Hot and dry environment needed
• C. Starts very early after death
• D. It is a form of body preservation by saponification of fats

Hint:

Adipocere formation is a form of body preservation due to the saponification of body fats, usually occurring in moist conditions and over an extended period after death.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question describes a scenario observed during an autopsy, where greyish white waxy material with preserved facial features was noted. This description is characteristic of a phenomenon known as "adipocere" or "grave wax" formation.

The correct option, "It is a form of body preservation by saponification of fats," adequately explains the situation. Here's a detailed explanation:

• Adipocere is a postmortem condition resulting from the saponification of body fats. This occurs when fatty tissues are hydrolyzed and hydrogenated, forming a waxy substance.
• The process typically requires a moist and anaerobic (lack of oxygen) environment, rather than high temperature or a hot and dry setting.
• This transformation preserves the body, keeping facial features recognizable over a long period.
• Adipocere formation does not start immediately after death; it typically begins several weeks postmortem and can take months to develop fully.

Therefore, the statement about it being a form of body preservation by saponification aligns with the observed autopsy findings.