Asphyxia: 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 · Asphyxia: ligature strangulation

Sample item

A woman is found dead with a horizontal, complete, thin furrow around the neck at the level of the thyroid cartilage. There is no suspension point and the face is congested with petechiae. What is the most likely cause and manner?

ASmothering, usually suicidalBThrottling, usually accidentalCLigature strangulation, usually homicidalDTypical hanging, usually suicidal

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ligature strangulation, usually homicidal

In ligature strangulation the mark is horizontal, complete, at or below the thyroid cartilage, and the force is applied by a ligature tightened by an external force, not by body weight. It is commonly homicidal. In hanging, the mark is oblique, incomplete and high, rising to the knot.

Option by option

A. Smothering, usually suicidal
Smothering obstructs the mouth and nose, and does not leave a neck furrow.
B. Throttling, usually accidental
Throttling is manual compression with nail and finger marks, not a ligature furrow.
C. Ligature strangulation, usually homicidal (correct)
Correct. A horizontal, complete, low mark without suspension indicates ligature strangulation.
D. Typical hanging, usually suicidal
Hanging gives an oblique, incomplete mark above the thyroid cartilage.

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 C, Ligature strangulation, usually homicidal. In ligature strangulation the mark is horizontal, complete, at or below the thyroid cartilage, and the force is applied by a ligature tightened by an external force, not by body weight.

Why is "Smothering, usually suicidal" not the answer?

Smothering obstructs the mouth and nose, and does not leave a neck furrow.

Why is "Throttling, usually accidental" not the answer?

Throttling is manual compression with nail and finger marks, not a ligature furrow.

Why is "Typical hanging, usually suicidal" not the answer?

Hanging gives an oblique, incomplete mark above the thyroid cartilage.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Asphyxia: ligature strangulation in Forensic Medicine. It is commonly homicidal. In hanging, the mark is oblique, incomplete and high, rising to the knot.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Asphyxia: 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.