19/04/2026
RIGOR MORTIS ⚰️
Rigor mortis is the postmortem stiffening of body muscles caused by chemical changes, specifically the depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which leaves muscles locked in a contracted state. It begins 2–4 hours after death, starting with smaller muscles (face, neck) before affecting the entire body, peaking around 12–24 hours, and fading after 36–48 hours.
Mechanism ⚙️
Upon death, oxygen ceases to reach muscles, halting ATP production. Without ATP, myosin filaments cannot detach from actin filaments, resulting in irreversible fixation of muscles until decomposition breaks down the proteins.
Clinical/Forensic Significance 🔬:
Time of Death (TOD): Used to estimate the postmortem interval.
Body Positioning: Muscles freeze in the position the body was in at the time of death.
Examination: It is assessed by attempting to flex or extend joints (e.g., jaws, limbs) during examination.
Duration: It is a temporary phase that eventually reverses as decomposition sets in, causing muscles to become flaccid again.
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