NEET-PG 2013 - Forensic Medicine Practice Questions

Q: Algor mortis is defined as:

Cooling of body. ***Cooling of body (Algor mortis)*** - **Algor mortis** specifically refers to the **post-mortem cooling** of the body until it matches the temperature of the surrounding environment. - This process is used in forensic pathology to estimate the **time of death**, as the rate of cooling is somewhat predictable under standard conditions. - The body typically cools at approximately **1-1.5°F per hour** in temperate conditions, though this varies with environmental factors. *Hypostasis* - **Hypostasis**, also known as **livor mortis** or lividity, is the **pooling of blood** in the capillaries of the skin due to gravity after circulation ceases. - This results in a discoloration of the skin, typically purplish-red, in dependent areas of the body. - It begins within 30 minutes to 2 hours after death and becomes fixed after 8-12 hours. *Cadaveric spasm* - **Cadaveric spasm** is a rare and immediate stiffening of muscles that occurs at the moment of death, without passing through the stage of primary flaccidity. - It is often associated with intense emotional stress or extreme physical exertion just before death, causing objects to be clutched firmly. - This is distinct from rigor mortis as it occurs instantaneously rather than developing gradually. *Rigor mortis* - **Rigor mortis** is the **stiffening of muscles** after death, caused by the depletion of ATP, which prevents the detachment of myosin heads from actin filaments in muscle fibers. - It typically begins 2-4 hours post-mortem, reaches maximum stiffness at 12-24 hours, and then gradually resolves after 24-48 hours as autolysis progresses.

Q: Cause of death in cafe coronary:

Asphyxia. ***Asphyxia*** - Cafe coronary refers to sudden death due to **choking on food or foreign objects**, typically occurring in public places like restaurants. - The primary cause of death is **asphyxia**, resulting from the obstruction of the **larynx or trachea**, preventing air from reaching the lungs. *Pulmonary edema* - **Pulmonary edema** is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, often due to heart failure or acute lung injury. - It is not the direct cause of death in a cafe coronary, as the primary issue is mechanical airway obstruction, not fluid overload in the lungs. *Laryngeal edema* - **Laryngeal edema** involves swelling of the larynx, which can cause airway obstruction. - While it can lead to respiratory distress, in a cafe coronary, the obstruction is typically mechanical from a foreign body, not primarily an inflammatory or allergic edema of the larynx itself. *Cardiac arrest* - While **cardiac arrest** is the ultimate event leading to death, it is a consequence of severe hypoxia caused by the airway obstruction in a cafe coronary. - The direct and initial cause of the life-threatening situation is the inability to breathe due to the blockage, leading to oxygen deprivation of the heart.

Q: Victim was strangled with elbow around neck. It is called as:

Mugging. ***Mugging*** - **Mugging** (also called "yoking" or "bar arm strangle") is the forensic medicine term for strangulation using the **arm or elbow encircling the neck**. - In this technique, the assailant typically approaches from behind and applies the forearm or crook of the elbow across the victim's throat, compressing the neck structures. - This method compresses the carotid arteries and jugular veins, leading to rapid unconsciousness and potential death from cerebral hypoxia. *Throttling* - **Throttling** specifically refers to manual strangulation using the **hands (fingers and thumbs)** to compress the neck. - The assailant applies direct pressure with their fingers on the front or sides of the victim's neck. - This differs from the scenario described, which involves the elbow/arm, not the hands. *Burking* - **Burking** is a historical method of murder involving suffocation by covering the mouth and nose while applying pressure to the chest. - Named after William Burke, this method was designed to leave minimal external marks on the body. - It does not involve neck compression or strangulation. *Garrotting* - **Garrotting** is strangulation using a **ligature** (rope, wire, cloth, or cord) tightened around the neck. - This involves an instrument rather than direct body contact. - It differs from mugging, which uses the arm/elbow without any intermediate object.

Q: Cognizable offence comes under which section of CrPC? (NEET 13)

2 (c). ***Option 2 (c)*** - Section **2(c)** of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) defines a **cognizable offense**. - A cognizable offense is one in which a police officer may **arrest without a warrant** and commence investigation without the permission of a magistrate. *Option 1 (a)* - This section reference is incorrect as there is no relevant definition under **Section 1(a)** that pertains to cognizable offenses. - Section 1 of CrPC deals with the **short title, extent, and commencement** of the code, not definitions. *Option 2 (b)* - Section **2(b)** of the CrPC defines "**charge**." - A charge includes any **head of a charge** when the charge contains more than one head. *Option 2 (1)* - This section reference is not a standard way of citing definitions within the CrPC (should be lowercase alphabet). - Even if interpreted as **Section 2(l)**, it defines **"non-cognizable offense"**, which is the opposite of what the question asks.

Q: Police inquest is most straightforward in:

Suicidal death. ***Suicidal death*** - Suicidal deaths with clear evidence (suicide note, history of depression, consistent physical findings) are typically the **most straightforward** for police inquest among unnatural deaths. - The investigation primarily focuses on **confirming self-infliction** and ruling out foul play, which is relatively simple when circumstances are clear and consistent. - Unlike homicide, there is **no perpetrator to identify**, and unlike dowry death, there are no complex familial or legal entanglements to investigate. - The inquest becomes straightforward when evidence is consistent: method matches injuries, suicide note is present, and witness statements corroborate suicidal intent. *Death by animals* - Death by animal attacks involves **complex liability investigations** including determining provocation, owner negligence, and whether proper safety measures were in place. - Requires investigation into whether the animal was **improperly restrained**, whether the victim provoked the attack, and potential criminal/civil liability of the owner. - Scene reconstruction and expert veterinary input may be needed, making it more complex than straightforward suicide cases. *Homicidal death* - Homicidal deaths involve **intentional killing by another person**, requiring extensive investigation into motive, suspects, weapon identification, and evidence collection. - These are the **most complex inquests**, involving forensic analysis, witness interviews, crime scene reconstruction, and protracted legal proceedings. *Dowry death* - Dowry deaths under Section 304B IPC are **highly complex**, involving investigation of harassment, dowry demands, and family dynamics over an extended period. - Requires proving that death occurred within **7 years of marriage** and was connected to dowry demands, often involving multiple suspects and sensitive family investigations.

Q: Datura poisoning is characterized by:

Dilated pupil. ***Dilated pupil*** - **Datura poisoning** is characterized by **anticholinergic symptoms**, including **mydriasis** (dilated pupils) due to the blockade of muscarinic receptors in the iris. - The classic mnemonic "hot as a hare, blind as a bat, dry as a bone, red as a beet, mad as a hatter" highlights the systemic effects, with "blind as a bat" specifically referring to **dilated pupils** and blurred vision. *Pinpoint pupil* - **Pinpoint pupils** (miosis) are typically associated with **opioid toxicity** or **cholinergic poisoning**, which are opposite to the effects of datura. - Datura acts as an **antimuscarinic agent**, preventing acetylcholine from constricting the pupil. *Dilated salivary gland* - **Datura poisoning** causes **dry mouth** due to the inhibition of salivary gland secretions, as it blocks muscarinic receptors responsible for glandular activity. - Therefore, a **dilated salivary gland** (implying increased activity or size) is not a characteristic feature; rather, there is a significant reduction in salivation. *Decreased temperature* - **Datura poisoning** typically leads to **hyperthermia** (increased body temperature) due to the inhibition of sweating, which impairs the body's ability to dissipate heat. - **Decreased temperature** would be an atypical finding and is more commonly seen in conditions like hypothermia or specific intoxications that depress thermoregulation.

Q: An incised-looking laceration is seen in all except:

Chest. ***Chest*** - The skin and subcutaneous tissue over the chest are generally **pliable and abundant**, allowing tissues to stretch and tear irregularly rather than creating a clean, incised-looking wound. - Due to the **underlying musculature and lack of prominent bony structures** just beneath the skin, impacts tend to cause contusions, irregular lacerations, or deeper tissue damage rather than sharp, distinct cuts. *Shin* - The shin has minimal subcutaneous tissue and skin that is **tightly bound over the tibia**, a prominent bony structure. - Impacts here often cause the skin to be compressed against the bone, leading to a **clean, sharp tear that mimics an incised wound**. *Zygomatic bone* - The skin over the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) is **thin and adheres closely to the underlying bone**. - Trauma to this area can result in a **linear, incised-appearing laceration** due to the skin being split against the rigid bony surface. *Iliac crest* - Similar to the shin and zygomatic bone, the iliac crest is a **superficial bony prominence with thin skin and limited subcutaneous tissue**. - A blunt force impact can cause the skin to **split cleanly over the bone**, creating an incised-looking laceration.

Q: Causing miscarriage is punishable under which IPC:

Sec 312 IPC. ***Sec 312 IPC*** - This section of the Indian Penal Code specifically deals with **causing miscarriage** and outlines the penalties for such acts. - It differentiates between miscarriage caused with or without the **woman's consent**, and also considers if the act is performed in **good faith** to save the woman's life. *Sec 320 IPC* - This section defines "grievous hurt," which includes severe injuries leading to permanent disability or life-threatening conditions. - While miscarriage can be a severe outcome, **Sec 320** focuses on the nature of the injury to the person rather than the specific act of causing miscarriage. *Sec 311 IPC* - This section pertains to **causing miscarriage of a child quick with child** without the consent of the woman and without good faith to save her life. - It carries a harsher punishment than Sec 312 because it involves a fetus that is considered more developed and near viability. *Sec 314 IPC* - This section deals with the **death caused by an act done with intent to cause miscarriage**. - It applies when a person commits an act to cause miscarriage, and as a result, the woman dies, even if the intent was not to cause her death.

Q: DNA fingerprinting can be done with all, except:

RBC. ***RBC*** - **Mature red blood cells** lack a nucleus and therefore do not contain **DNA**. - DNA fingerprinting relies on analyzing an individual's unique DNA sequence, which is not present in RBCs. *Saliva* - Saliva contains **epithelial cells** from the mouth, which have intact nuclei and thus sufficient DNA for analysis [2]. - It is a common and non-invasive source of DNA for forensic and genetic testing [2]. *WBC* - **White blood cells** (leukocytes) are nucleated cells that contain a full complement of DNA [2]. - They are an excellent source of DNA for genetic analysis, including DNA fingerprinting. *Spermatozoa* - **Sperm cells** are haploid and contain a nucleus with DNA, making them suitable for DNA fingerprinting [1]. - They are frequently used in forensic cases, particularly in sexual assault investigations [1].

Question 1

Algor mortis is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Cooling of body

Answer

Hypostasis

Answer

Cadaveric spasm

Answer

Rigor mortis

Question 2

Cause of death in cafe coronary:

Accepted Answer

Asphyxia

Answer

Pulmonary edema

Answer

Laryngeal edema

Answer

Cardiac arrest

Question 3

Victim was strangled with elbow around neck. It is called as:

Accepted Answer

Mugging

Answer

Throttling

Answer

Burking

Answer

Garrotting

Question 4

What is the most reliable method to determine the time of death within the first 24 hours after death?

Accepted Answer

Algor mortis using rectal temperature with standard nomograms

Answer

Livor mortis is fixed and cannot be displaced after 8-12 hours

Answer

Rigor mortis appears first in smaller muscles and progresses to larger muscles

Answer

Putrefaction begins immediately after death in all environmental conditions

Question 5

Cognizable offence comes under which section of CrPC? (NEET 13)

Accepted Answer

2 (c)

Answer

1 (a)

Answer

2 (b)

Answer

2 (1)

Question 6

Police inquest is most straightforward in:

Accepted Answer

Suicidal death

Answer

Death by animals

Answer

Homicidal death

Answer

Dowry death

Question 7

Datura poisoning is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Dilated pupil

Answer

Pinpoint pupil

Answer

Dilated salivary gland

Answer

Decreased temperature

Question 8

An incised-looking laceration is seen in all except:

Accepted Answer

Chest

Answer

Shin

Answer

Zygomatic bone

Answer

Iliac crest

Question 9

Causing miscarriage is punishable under which IPC:

Accepted Answer

Sec 312 IPC

Answer

Sec 320 IPC

Answer

Sec 311 IPC

Answer

Sec 314 IPC

Question 10

DNA fingerprinting can be done with all, except:

Accepted Answer

RBC

Answer

Saliva

Answer

WBC

Answer

Spermatozoa

NEET-PG 2013 — Forensic Medicine