Basic
When does Rigor Mortis occur?
After death (approx 2 hours)
What is the main cause of rigor mortis?
Depletion of cells energy molecule, ATP
What does rigor mortis directly translate to?
"stiffness of death"
What is rigor mortis?
A change resulting in the stiffening of the body, after death, due to chemical changes
What are factors that can severely impact the onset and timeline of Rigor?
Temp, illness, activity before death, physical conditions the body was found
When does rigor end?
When autolysis takes place (self-digestion of cells)
What is rigor mortis characterized by?
Stiffening of the body
If the body is hot, does the rate of rigor increase, decrease, or stay the same?
Increase
How can forensic scientists use rigor?
To estimate time of death
What stage of death is rigor mortis?
4
If the body is cold, does the rate of rigor increase, decrease, or stay the same?
Decrease
Does rigor mortis only occur in humans?
No