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|
Cadaveric rigidity (Rigor mortis) |
Cadaveric spasm |
|
Production |
Freezing & exposure to temperature > 65°C will produce rigor |
Cannot be produced by any method after death |
|
Mechanism |
Known. Reduction of ATP |
Not clearly known |
|
Predisposing factor |
Nil |
Sudden death, excitement, fear, |
|
Time of onset |
1-2 hours after death |
Instantaneous |
|
Muscles involved |
All the muscles of the body, both voluntary & involuntary |
Usually restricted to a single group of voluntary muscles |
|
Muscle stiffening |
Not marked; moderate force can overcome it |
Marked; very great force is required to overcome it |
|
Molecular death |
Occurs |
Does not occur |
|
Body heat |
Cold |
Warm |
|
Electrical stimuli |
Muscles do not respond |
Muscles respond |
|
Muscular reaction |
Acidic |
Alkaline |
|
Medicolegal |
Indicates time of death |
Indicates mode of death, i.e. suicide, homicide or accident |