What characterizes the Bloated Stage of decomposition?

• A. Deflation of the body due to gas escaping.
• B. Swelling due to moisture loss but no odor.
• C. Accumulation of gases from anaerobic bacteria produces a swollen appearance and an odor is present.
• D. Skin hardening and preservation.

Answer: (C)

The Bloated Stage is driven by active microbial putrefaction. Anaerobic bacteria in the gut and surrounding tissues rapidly multiply without oxygen and produce gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide. These gases accumulate inside the body, causing distension and a swollen appearance. The same microbial activity releases volatile compounds that generate a strong, foul odor. This combination of gas buildup and odor is the hallmark of the bloated stage. The other descriptions belong to different processes: deflation would occur after gases escape, swelling with no odor doesn’t reflect the gas-driven putrefaction, and hardening or preservation describes later stages or different taphonomic conditions.