Rigor Algor and Livor mortis By Dariela Guerrero

Rigor, Algor, and Livor mortis By: Dariela Guerrero 7 th

Rigor Mortis • Chemical changes in the muscles after death, Causing the limbs of the corpse to stiffen Used to estimate PMI: When someone dies while engaged in something strenuous, rigor mortis can set in at once, called Cadaveric Spasm. Also depends on illness and age. Rigor progresses more quickly in people who have low muscle mass, such as the elderly and children. Or in people with a debilitating disease or fever.

Algor Mortis • Change in body temperature following death. This is a generally steady decline until matching ambient temp, although external factors can have a significant influence. Used to estimate PMI: After death the body cools from normal internal temp of 98. 6 degrees to the surrounding temp. Average cooling rate of a dead body is 1. 5 degrees/hour. Variables that effect algor mortis is Body fat, Clothing & Air temperature

Livor Mortis • Setting of the blood in the lower portion of the body, causing a purplish red discoloration of the skin Used to estimate PMI • gently pressing on areas of the deceased's skin that show livor mortis. If the area turns pale and then colored again, that means the blood has not fully congealed yet and the person may have passed within the last 12 hrs or so. If the area remains the same darker color, suggests the victim may have died for longer than 12 hrs.

Also changes in the body • Your heart still pumps out blood even after your last breath (@ 15 hrs) • Once you pass away your muscles lose all tension and your wrinkles disappear (few hours after you pass)