Algor mortis refers to which postmortem change?

• A. Cooling of the body
• B. Discoloration due to gravity
• C. Stiffening of the body
• D. Body temperature equal to environment

Answer: (A)

Algor mortis is the cooling of the body after death. When life ends, heat production stops, so the body’s temperature falls toward the surrounding environment. The rate of cooling depends on factors like ambient temperature, airflow, clothing or burial environment, body size and fat content, and whether the body is in water or air. This cooling process helps professionals estimate time since death as part of a broader postmortem assessment, but rates can vary widely.

Discoloration from gravity is livor mortis, which comes from blood settling in dependent areas. Stiffening is rigor mortis, the muscles locking up after death. While the body eventually reaches environmental temperature, algor mortis specifically refers to the cooling process itself.