Rigor Mortis

Rigor Mortis, the condition of rigidity which affects the muscles of the body after death, brought about by the coagulation of the myosin, which is an important constituent of muscle. The muscular fibres become shortened, and there is consequent contraction, associated with the general stiffening. Rigor mortis usually commences within an hour or two after death, and extends, generally speaking, from above downwards; the condition passes away when putrefaction sets in.