Algor mortis

Algor Mortis: The Post-Mortem Temperature Change

Overview

Algor Mortis (from Latin algor—coldness; mortis—of death) refers to the change in body temperature following death. It is the second stage of death and involves the body gradually cooling down until it reaches ambient temperature.

Illustration of measuring Algor Mortis

Physiological Process

After death, the body loses heat progressively, a process influenced by various factors including ambient temperature and the deceased's body composition. The rate of cooling can provide crucial information in forensic investigations.

Factors Influencing Algor Mortis

Several external and internal factors affect the rate of Algor Mortis:

• Ambient temperature
• Clothing and environmental conditions
• Body fat composition
• The medium in which the body is found
• Initial body temperature at the time of death

Forensic Significance

In forensic science, understanding Algor Mortis is essential for:

• Estimating the time of death
• Providing clues about the circumstances surrounding death
• Differentiating between antemortem and postmortem events

Stages of Death and Algor Mortis

Algor Mortis is one of several stages of death, each providing different forensic clues:

• Rigor Mortis (muscular stiffening)
• Livor Mortis (settling of blood in the lower part of the body)
• Decomposition

Measurement and Calculation

The measurement of Algor Mortis typically involves:

• Recording the core body temperature
• Calculating the rate of cooling
• Adjusting calculations based on environmental and body factors

Challenges and Limitations

Algor Mortis can present challenges in forensic analysis due to:

• Variability in individual cooling rates
• Environmental complexities
• Potential disturbances of the body after death

References

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• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Postmortem Changes
• Forensic Magazine - The Postmortem Interval
• ScienceDirect - Algor Mortis

External Links

• Britannica - Forensic Science: The Time of Death
• ASTM Standard E1954 - Practice for Conduct of Research in Forensic Psychophysiology.

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