when does rigor mortis set in in humans
Rigor mortis Rigor mortis (Latin: rigor "stiffness", mortis "of death"), the third stage of death, is one of the recognizable signs of death, caused by chemical changes in the muscles post mortem, which cause the limbs of the corpse to stiffen.[1] In humans, rigor mortis can occur as soon as 4 hours post mortem.[1]
Cadaveric spasm Cadaveric spasm, also known as postmortem spasm, instantaneous rigor, cataleptic rigidity, or instantaneous rigidity, is a rare form of muscular stiffening that occurs at the moment of death and persists into the period of rigor mortis.[1] Cadaveric spasm can be distinguished from rigor mortis being stronger stiffening of the muscles that can't be easily undone like rigor mortis.[2] The cause is unknown, but is usually associated with violent deaths happening under extremely physical circumstances with intense emotion.[3]