Rigor mortis occurs because of which fundamental biochemical change in muscle cells after death?
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Correct answer: ATP depletion preventing actin-myosin relaxation
After death ATP production ceases, so actin-myosin cross-bridges cannot detach and the muscles stiffen — the basis of rigor mortis.
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More Autopsy and Gross Pathology questions
- Which of the following is considered a “late postmortem change” during decomposition?
- Which type of autopsy is particularly indicated when death is suspicious, sudden, or potentially involves criminal activity?
- During gross pathology examination, which finding suggests a malignancy rather than a benign lesion?
- Which documentation becomes part of the deceased’s medical record following an autopsy in a hospital setting?
- Which of the following is NOT typically part of the gross pathology (grossing) process of a resected specimen?
- What is the significance of postmortem changes such as rigor mortis, livor mortis, and algor mortis during a forensic autopsy?