Rigor mortis

This article is about the sign of death. For other uses, see Rigor mortis (disambiguation).

Look up rigor mortis in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Stages of death
  1. Pallor mortis
  2. Livor mortis
  3. Algor mortis
  4. Rigor mortis
  5. Putrefaction
  6. Decomposition
  7. Skeletonization
  8. Fossilization

Rigor mortis[a] (from Latin rigor 'stiffness' and mortis 'of death'), or postmortem rigidity, is the fourth stage of death. It is one of the recognizable signs of death, characterized by stiffening of the limbs of the corpse caused by chemical changes in the muscles postmortem (mainly calcium).[1] In humans, rigor mortis can occur as soon as four hours after death. Contrary to folklore and common belief, rigor mortis is not permanent and begins to pass within hours of onset. Typically, it lasts no longer than eight hours at "room temperature".[citation needed]


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  1. ^ Saladin, K. S. 2010. Anatomy & Physiology: 6th edition. McGraw-Hill.