Which stage is defined by the body being reduced to bones, cartilage, and dry skin?

Which stage is defined by the body being reduced to bones, cartilage, and dry skin?

• A. Fresh Stage
• B. Bloated Stage
• C. Dry Stage
• D. Active Decay Stage

Answer: (C)

As decomposition advances, tissues progressively desiccate and disappear, leaving what remains desiccated and skeletal. In the Dry Stage, most soft tissues have dried out or been lost, so the body is reduced to bones, cartilage, and dry skin. This stage comes after earlier phases where there is bloating, strong odors, and substantial tissue loss, and before complete skeletonization. The description—bones, cartilage, and dry skin—matches the Dry Stage because moisture loss and desiccation are the defining features at this point.

As decomposition advances, tissues progressively desiccate and disappear, leaving what remains desiccated and skeletal. In the Dry Stage, most soft tissues have dried out or been lost, so the body is reduced to bones, cartilage, and dry skin. This stage comes after earlier phases where there is bloating, strong odors, and substantial tissue loss, and before complete skeletonization. The description—bones, cartilage, and dry skin—matches the Dry Stage because moisture loss and desiccation are the defining features at this point.