What is the term for blood settling to the lowest point of the body, often seen as a sign of death?

The correct term for blood settling to the lowest point of the body after death is dependent lividity. This phenomenon occurs due to the gravitational pull on the blood following the cessation of circulation, causing it to pool in the areas of the body that are lowest when the person is in a supine position. This pooling can create a bluish discoloration of the skin, which can be an important visual cue in determining the time of death and whether the body has been moved after death.

Dependent lividity begins to develop within 30 minutes to several hours after death and becomes fixed in about 6 to 12 hours, making it a critical sign in postmortem examinations. Understanding this process helps emergency medical personnel and investigators discern details about the circumstances around death, which can be vital for legal and medical purposes.