MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which sequence describes the human death process correctly?

1. Algor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Rigor Mortis

2. Rigor Mortis, Algor Mortis, Livor Mortis

3. Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Algor Mortis

4. Livor Mortis, Rigor Mortis, Algor Mortis

The correct answer is: Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Algor Mortis

The sequence that describes the human death process correctly is Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Algor Mortis. When a person dies, the first observable change is rigor mortis, which occurs when the muscles stiffen as a result of biochemical changes in muscle tissue. This process typically starts a few hours after death, and maximum stiffness is generally reached within 12 to 24 hours. Following rigor mortis, livor mortis begins to develop. This phenomenon involves the settling of blood in the lower parts of the body due to gravity, resulting in a purplish discoloration of the skin. Livor mortis can often begin to develop within 30 minutes to 2 hours after death. Lastly, algor mortis refers to the gradual cooling of the body after death. The body temperature drops at a predictable rate, typically about 1 to 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until it reaches the ambient temperature. This sequence is essential for forensic science, as it helps establish the time of death, which can be crucial in criminal investigations. Understanding the order of these processes allows investigators to gather evidence and build a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding a person's death.