Stiffening of the body after death is?

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

Rigor mortis is the specific medical term for the stiffening of muscles and joints that develops after death.
This process is caused by the depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle cells.
Without ATP, myosin heads remain locked to actin filaments, preventing muscle relaxation and causing rigidity.
It typically begins 2-4 hours postmortem, peaks around 12 hours, and then subsides as muscle proteins decompose over the next 24-48 hours.

Option A: A contracture is the chronic shortening of muscle and connective tissue in a living person, leading to reduced joint mobility.
Option C: Postmortem is a general Latin term meaning 'after death'. It is an adjective used to describe events or examinations that occur after death, not the specific sign of stiffening.
Option D: Myonecrosis is the death of muscle tissue. While this is part of the overall decomposition process, it is not the specific term for the temporary stiffening of the body.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological changes after death as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must perform postmortem care, such as positioning the body, closing the eyes and mouth, and inserting dentures, before rigor mortis fully develops. This ensures the deceased is handled with dignity and prepared appropriately.
Understanding the timeline of rigor mortis is crucial for forensic and medicolegal purposes, as it is a key factor used to estimate the time of death.
What if? If a person dies in a very cold environment, the onset of rigor mortis would be significantly delayed because lower temperatures slow down the metabolic processes and chemical reactions that lead to stiffness.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology related to death.
Identify the key concept in the question stem: 'Stiffening of the body after death'.
Evaluate each option based on its medical definition.
Eliminate 'Contracture' as it applies to living individuals.
Eliminate 'Postmortem' as it is a general adjective, not a specific sign.
Eliminate 'Myonecrosis' as it refers to tissue death, not stiffening.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 1 p. 149-150

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 951-953

E6 Physiology Review Sembulingam 5e p. 42-44

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