This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Asphyxial deaths, Subject name: Forensic Medicine
Cause of death in throttling is 
Select and explain. 
A. Vagal inhibition, B. Occlusion of airway, C. Occlusion of carotids, D. Fracture of hyoid bone
C: Occlusion of carotids
Answer: C: Occlusion of carotids 
Explanation: Throttling/ Manual strangulation - compression of neck by human hands Mechanism of death - occlusion of carotids as the carotid aeries lie over the transverse processes of C4 - C6 Cervical veebra and any antero-lateral impact can compress them against the underlying bone Occlusion of airways plays a minor role and pure asphyxia is rare; considerable pressure is necessary to obstruct trachea which will also block jugular veins and carotid aeries