Which process refers to edema caused by absorption of fluids into tissues after death?

Which process refers to edema caused by absorption of fluids into tissues after death?

• A. Imbibition
• B. Dehydration
• C. Hypostasis
• D. Livor mortis

Answer: (A)

Imbibition is the process where tissues take up fluids from surrounding tissues after death, leading to edema as fluids move into the interstitial spaces. After circulation ceases, membranes become more permeable and fluids can diffuse into nearby tissues, causing swelling. This is different from dehydration, which is loss of water from tissues; and from hypostasis (livor mortis), which is the settling of blood in dependent parts producing color changes rather than fluid uptake. So, the postmortem edema caused by absorption of fluids into tissues is best described by imbibition.

Imbibition is the process where tissues take up fluids from surrounding tissues after death, leading to edema as fluids move into the interstitial spaces. After circulation ceases, membranes become more permeable and fluids can diffuse into nearby tissues, causing swelling. This is different from dehydration, which is loss of water from tissues; and from hypostasis (livor mortis), which is the settling of blood in dependent parts producing color changes rather than fluid uptake. So, the postmortem edema caused by absorption of fluids into tissues is best described by imbibition.