Marbling refers to which phenomenon?

• A. The breakdown of blood in vessels, producing a greenish-black coloration along the vessels
• B. The drying of the skin
• C. The superficial scabbing of tissue
• D. The bright red livor color

Answer: (A)

Marbling is the postmortem discoloration pattern that happens when blood within the vessels begins to break down during decomposition, producing greenish-black staining along the vascular pathways. This results from pigments formed as hemoglobin degrades (such as biliverdin and related compounds) traveling along the vessels, giving a mottled, vein-like appearance. It’s distinct from drying of the skin, surface scabbing, or the bright red livor color caused by early blood pooling (livor mortis), which are different processes.