Ligature Groove (Hanging)
Definition
The pressure mark left by a ligature on the neck in hanging: pale, parchment-like, oblique, ascending, open at the nape of the neck, typically above the level of the thyroid cartilage.
- Context
- Hanging
- Appearance
- Pale, parchment-like
- Orientation
- Oblique, ascending
- Continuity
- Open at the nape of the neck
- Typical level
- Above the thyroid cartilage
Common questions
Why does a hanging groove typically appear pale and parchment-like rather than bruised?+
Because suspension applies sustained one-directional pressure that compresses and dries the skin against the ligature rather than causing the bleeding into tissue seen with a blunt impact, the compressed band dehydrates and takes on a firm, leathery, pale appearance after death.
Why is the groove usually open rather than a complete circle around the neck?+
The body's own weight pulls the ligature upward toward the suspension point, so pressure concentrates on the sides and front of the neck while the area nearest the knot or attachment point often shows little or no mark, leaving a gap typically at the nape.
Related terms
- Complete Hanging
- Hanging in which the body hangs freely with no supporting surface contact. The entire body weight acts through the ligature on the...
- Hyoid Bone Fracture
- Fracture of the U-shaped floating hyoid bone at the tongue base; uncommon in hanging (under 10%), more common in strangulation, especially in...
- Incomplete Hanging
- Hanging in which part of the body (feet, knees, buttocks) remains in contact with a surface. Biomechanically equivalent to complete hanging because...
- Ligature Groove (Strangulation)
- The mark left by a ligature applied with extrinsic force in strangulation: horizontal, complete (encircling the neck), below or at the thyroid...
- NAME
- National Association of Medical Examiners (US); the professional body that publishes standards for medico-legal autopsy, manner-of-death certification, and forensic pathology training.
- Salivary Drool Track
- A dried streak of saliva running from the corner of the mouth downward and toward the suspension point, seen in hanging and...
- Tardieu Spots
- Minute petechial haemorrhages on the surface of visceral organs, pleura, and conjunctivae, produced by venous obstruction and raised intrathoracic pressure in asphyxia....