Post Mortem Care

• Rigor Mortis (Rigid) - The state of the body after death, when the muscles are stiff and rigid. Occurs about 2 to 4 hours after death. Results from the lack of ATP which causes the muscle to contract.
• Algor Mortis - gradual decrease of body temp after death. when blood circulation terminates and the hypothalamus ceases to function. skin loses its elasticity.
• Livor Mortis - the state of the body after death, when the blood has stopped circulating and the body begins to cool down. Discoloration starts appearing on the skin.