Cadaveric rigor is a natural post mortem event, appearing between 1 to 2 hours after death and beginning to disappear between 18 to 24 hours.
| Stiffening occurs: | | | Rigor ends in the order: |
| 1st Jaw 2nd Nape 3rd Thorax 4th Abdomen 5th Upper limbs 6th Lower limbs |
| | | | |
1st Lower limbs 2nd Upper limbs 3rd Abdomen 4th Thorax 5th Nape 6th Jaw |
The Cronotanatognosis of rigor mortis (below) is generally as demonstrated, always remembering that these numbers can vary greatly depending on the environment, especially temperature, and the body. For an idea, imagine a man who dies with an infection and a high fever, and another who dies of hypothermia.
1st hour – Heart muscle.
1 to 2 hours – Respiratory muscles (diaphragm and intercostals).
2 to 3 hours – Muscles of the head, mastication, and around the eyes.
3 ½ to 4 ½ hours - Cervical region, thorax, and forelimbs.
6 to 9 hours – Rest.
Source of cronotanatognosis:
http://www.members.tripod.com/amazonpitkennel/Alt_Cadavericas.htm
Body of a man dead for 11 hours
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