The Rigor Mortis Quiz

Rigor mortis is the stiffening of muscles after death. It develops in the body within 4-12 hours after death, starting from the smaller muscle groups and progressing to larger muscle groups.

Rigor mortis typically lasts for approximately 12-36 hours after it reaches its maximum peak.

Environmental temperature is the most important factor. Other factors include malnutrition, body weight, physical activity before death, and diseases that raise the body's temperature.

<p>Rigor mortis allows the pathologist to estimate the time of death and determine if there was movement of the body after rigor mortis had developed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rigor mortis is a period of muscle stiffness that occurs after death due to the formation of lactic acid in the muscles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rigor mortis is caused by the formation of lactic acid in the muscles after death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rigor mortis usually starts 2-4 hours after death and the first signs of it become visible in smaller muscle groups in the eyelids, facial muscles, neck, and lower jaw.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cadaveric spasm is a condition where the muscles retain their tense state immediately after death and persist into the period of rigor mortis. It is also known as death grip because it causes a strong clenching of the muscles, making it difficult or impossible to release objects from the hand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cadaveric spasm is often observed in cases of suicides where the weapon is tightly grasped in the hand, homicides where objects like buttons or pieces of clothing are tightly held, drowning and mountain accidents where victims hold onto stones, grass, or branches, and car, airplane, and train accidents where victims are found gripping onto objects like steering wheels or cell phones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cadaveric spasm can provide important information about the circumstances under which a person died. For example, if a victim is thought to have committed suicide and the weapon is tightly held in their hand, it may be considered as evidence of suicide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cadaveric spasm typically lasts until the full effect of decomposition sets in, which is usually after approximately 48 hours. It disappears when rigor mortis fully develops in the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers