Which description defines algor mortis?

• A. The postmortem cooling of the body
• B. The color change due to gravity
• C. The stiffening of the muscles after death
• D. The drying of skin

Answer: (A)

Algor mortis is the cooling of the body after death as heat production ceases and the body loses heat to the surrounding environment. The body’s temperature drops toward ambient temperature until it equiluminates with its surroundings, which is why this description fits.

Other postmortem changes describe different processes: livor mortis is the gravity-driven color change from blood settling in dependent areas; rigor mortis is the stiffness that develops in muscles after death; and drying of the skin is due to desiccation over time. Understanding algor mortis helps estimate time since death, and the rate is influenced by factors like ambient temperature, body size, clothing, humidity, and airflow.