Asphyxial deaths: suicidal ligature strangulation: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Asphyxial deaths: suicidal ligature strangulation

Sample item

A man is found dead in a room locked from inside. A cord is wound three times around the neck and tied with a firm knot, the neck mark is horizontal, and there are no defence injuries. Which feature most strongly favours suicide over homicide?

APetechiae on the face and conjunctivaeBSeveral turns of cord tied with a firm knot, with no defence injuriesCA horizontal ligature mark encircling the neckDA deep ligature furrow with underlying bruising

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Several turns of cord tied with a firm knot, with no defence injuries

In suicidal ligature strangulation the person winds the cord several times and ties a firm knot so that tension persists after consciousness is lost. Absence of defence injuries and a secure scene supports suicide. The mark features, petechiae or depth are the same in homicide and so are not discriminating.

Option by option

A. Petechiae on the face and conjunctivae
Petechiae are seen in strangulation of any manner.
B. Several turns of cord tied with a firm knot, with no defence injuries (correct)
Correct. Self-maintained tightness and scene circumstances favour suicide.
C. A horizontal ligature mark encircling the neck
A horizontal mark occurs in both homicidal and suicidal strangulation.
D. A deep ligature furrow with underlying bruising
The depth of the furrow does not indicate who applied the ligature.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Several turns of cord tied with a firm knot, with no defence injuries. In suicidal ligature strangulation the person winds the cord several times and ties a firm knot so that tension persists after consciousness is lost.

Why is "Petechiae on the face and conjunctivae" not the answer?

Petechiae are seen in strangulation of any manner.

Why is "A horizontal ligature mark encircling the neck" not the answer?

A horizontal mark occurs in both homicidal and suicidal strangulation.

Why is "A deep ligature furrow with underlying bruising" not the answer?

The depth of the furrow does not indicate who applied the ligature.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Asphyxial deaths: suicidal ligature strangulation in Forensic Medicine. Absence of defence injuries and a secure scene supports suicide. The mark features, petechiae or depth are the same in homicide and so are not discriminating.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Asphyxial deaths: suicidal ligature strangulation?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.