Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What is the term for the stiffening of the body's muscles after death?

1. Rigor Mortis

2. Decaying Process

3. Muscle Relaxation

4. Post-Mortem Change

The correct answer is: Rigor Mortis

The term for the stiffening of the body's muscles after death is rigor mortis. This physiological process occurs due to biochemical changes in the muscle tissue. Shortly after death, the body starts to undergo a series of changes, and rigor mortis is one of the first major signs. It typically begins within a few hours postmortem and can last for several days, depending on various factors such as temperature and the condition of the body. Rigor mortis is crucial in forensic science as it can help establish the time of death. After death, the lack of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) prevents muscle relaxation, causing muscles to become rigid. This specific muscular stiffening is not merely a general state of decay or a symptom of relaxation; rather, it represents a definitive biochemical reaction triggered by the cessation of life processes. Understanding rigor mortis is vital for law enforcement and forensic professionals during investigations, as it provides clues about the timing of death and the circumstances surrounding it.