What does the term 'postmortem interval' refer to?

The term 'postmortem interval' specifically refers to the time that has elapsed since a person has died. This measurement is critical in forensic science and pathology for determining the time of death, which can be essential in various legal and investigative scenarios. Understanding the postmortem interval can help investigators narrow down the timeline of events surrounding a death, establish alibis, and gather evidence related to the case.

Other options involve specific processes or conditions related to a body after death, such as rigor mortis or temperature changes, but they do not capture the broader concept of time since death. Rigor mortis refers to a specific physical change that occurs within a certain timeframe after death, while body temperature stabilization relates to the physiological changes that can occur after death. These processes are factors that can help estimate the postmortem interval but do not define the term itself.