Question

Which one of the following confirms the ante-mortem hanging?

• A. Dripping of Saliva
• B. Fracture of femur bone
• C. Post-mortem caloricity
• D. Presence of vomit

Hint:

In forensic pathology, distinguishing between ante-mortem (before death) and post-mortem (after death) injuries is crucial. Look for "vital signs" – evidence of the body's reaction to injury, such as inflammation, hemorrhage, or physiological responses like salivation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Ante-mortem hanging means the person was alive when the hanging occurred. We need to find a sign that indicates a vital reaction (a reaction of a living body).
Step 1: Analyze the options.
(1) Dripping of Saliva: Saliva production is a physiological process that occurs in a living person. In hanging, pressure on the salivary glands and stimulation of certain nerves can cause excess salivation, which then drips down the chin and chest. This is a strong indicator of ante-mortem hanging.
(2) Fracture of femur bone: This is not typically associated with hanging and is not a vital reaction.
(3) Post-mortem caloricity: This refers to a rise in body temperature after death, a post-mortem phenomenon, not an ante-mortem sign.
(4) Presence of vomit: While this can happen before death, it is not a specific or reliable indicator of ante-mortem hanging, as it can occur for many reasons.

Step 2: Conclude. The most reliable sign among the choices that confirms the hanging occurred while the individual was alive is the dripping of saliva due to vital physiological reactions.