Question

How long would you expect rigor mortis to last, and why?

A) A few hours, as it is a temporary state caused by the depletion of ATP in muscle cells.
B) Indefinitely, as it is a permanent state that occurs after death.
C) 24-36 hours, as it is a natural process of decomposition.
D) Approximately 2-6 hours, as it sets in shortly after death and gradually dissipates due to enzymatic activity.

Answer 1

Rigor mortis is a temporary state that occurs after death due to the depletion of ATP. It typically lasts for approximately 2-6 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rigor mortis is a temporary state that occurs after death due to the depletion of ATP in muscle cells. As long as ATP is available, micro-contraction cycles of actin sliding along myosin continue, resulting in muscle contraction. However, after death, when there is no further ATP production possible, the myosin heads remain bound to the actin filaments, causing the rigidity in the skeletal muscles known as rigor mortis.

Rigor mortis typically sets in shortly after death and gradually dissipates due to enzymatic activity. The duration of rigor mortis can vary, but it generally lasts for approximately 2-6 hours. Over time, enzymatic activities that kick off decomposition processes cause the muscles to relax again.