Death - Livor, Rigor, and Algor Mortis

Front

What is livor mortis?

Back

Livor mortis is the postmortem hypostasis of blood, where blood pools in the lowest parts of the body due to gravity, causing a bluish-red discoloration of the skin.

Front

What does a blue-purple discoloration on the back of a body indicate?

Back

It indicates that the victim died while lying on their back.

Front

What does a blue-purple discoloration on the front of a body indicate if the body is found sitting upright?

Back

It indicates that the victim was moved after death.

Front

How does rigor mortis progress in the body after death?

Back

Rigor mortis starts in the smaller muscles, such as those in the face and neck, and then progresses to the larger muscle groups.

Front

What factors can accelerate the onset of rigor mortis?

Back

Factors such as physical exertion prior to death, ambient temperature, and the individual's body condition can accelerate the onset of rigor mortis.

Front

What is the typical time frame for livor mortis to begin after death?

Back

Livor mortis typically begins 2-4 hours after death.

Front

What is the significance of the position of the body in determining the time of death?

Back

The position of the body can provide clues about whether the body was moved after death and can help estimate the time of death based on the pattern of livor mortis.

Front

What is rigor mortis and when does it occur?

Back

Rigor mortis is the stiffening of the muscles after death, occurring typically within 2-6 hours after death.

Front

What role does temperature play in the process of rigor mortis?

Back

Higher temperatures can accelerate the onset and progression of rigor mortis, while lower temperatures can delay it.

Front

What is algor mortis?

Back

Algor mortis is the cooling of the body after death, which can help estimate the time of death.