What term is used to describe the process of a body becoming stiff after death?

• A. Rigor mortis
• B. Putrefaction
• C. Muscular rigidity
• D. Nothingness

Answer: (A)

The term that describes the process of a body becoming stiff after death is rigor mortis. This physiological phenomenon typically begins within a few hours of death and is caused by biochemical processes occurring in the muscles. As the body loses its supply of oxygen and the cells begin to produce lactic acid, muscle fibers contract and become fixated in a state of rigidity.

Rigor mortis is an important concept in forensic science, as its timing can help estimate the time of death and provide critical information during investigations. It generally starts in smaller muscles, like those in the face and hands, and progresses to larger muscle groups over the course of several hours.

The other terms mentioned do not accurately describe the stiffness of the body after death. Putrefaction refers to the decomposition process that occurs later as bacteria and other microorganisms break down the body's tissues. Muscular rigidity is a more general term that does not specifically refer to the postmortem process of rigor mortis, while nothingness does not apply to any biological process related to the state of a deceased body.