**Core Concept**
Drowning is a catastrophic event that can occur in various settings, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Ante-mortem drowning refers to drowning that occurs before death, whereas post-mortem drowning occurs after death. The distinction between the two is crucial for forensic and clinical purposes.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In ante-mortem drowning, the body's response to asphyxia and hypoxia leads to a cascade of physiological changes. The lungs typically show signs of pulmonary edema, congestion, and hemorrhage due to the release of surfactants and the breakdown of alveolar-capillary membranes. Additionally, the presence of water in the stomach and small intestine indicates that the drowning occurred before death. The lungs may also show signs of emphysema aquosum, a characteristic feature of ante-mortem drowning.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify any unique feature of ante-mortem drowning.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a reliable indicator of ante-mortem drowning. Post-mortem changes can also lead to similar findings.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a feature of post-mortem drowning, not ante-mortem drowning.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
One important point to remember is that ante-mortem drowning typically involves the presence of water in the stomach and small intestine, which is not seen in post-mortem drowning.

**Correct Answer: C.**