Which term refers to the condition of blood pooling in the lower parts of the body after death?

The condition of blood pooling in the lower parts of the body after death is known as hypostasis. This phenomenon occurs because, following death, the heart no longer pumps blood, leading to gravitational effects causing blood to settle in the most dependent areas of the body. This settling can result in discoloration of the skin, particularly in the regions where the blood accumulates.

Understanding hypostasis is essential in forensic science as it can help determine the time of death and the position of the body following the event. In contrast, pallor mortis refers to the paleness that occurs shortly after death due to the cessation of blood circulation. Choking is related to airway obstruction and not a post-mortem condition, while contusion refers to bruising caused by trauma during life, which is entirely unrelated to the pooling of blood after death.