ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

The term "adipocere" refers specifically to a post-mortem change that occurs when fatty tissue undergoes a process of saponification, typically in environments that are wet and anaerobic. This condition results in the transformation of body fat into a waxy, soap-like substance also known as "grave wax." The presence of moisture aids this process by facilitating the breakdown and alteration of fats when a body is decomposing. In contrast, petechia refers to small red or purple spots on the skin due to bleeding, which has no direct relationship with the separation of tissues in wet environments. Cyanosis describes a bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from inadequate oxygen, and asphyxia indicates a lack of oxygen that can lead to unconsciousness or death. Neither of these conditions relates to the physical separation of tissues due to environmental factors. Therefore, adipocere is the correct term associated with the context of tissue changes in wet environments.