Final answer:
Within the first 24 hours of death, several processes occur in a corpse including rigor mortis, algor mortis, autolysis, and putrefaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within the first 24 hours of death, several processes occur in a corpse. One significant process is rigor mortis, which causes the muscles to become stiff and rigid. This stiffness lasts for a few hours to a few days, depending on various factors.
Another process that occurs is algor mortis, which is the cooling of the body. The body gradually loses heat and reaches the temperature of the surrounding environment.
Autolysis and putrefaction are also important processes. Autolysis is the breakdown of cells due to enzymes released after death, leading to tissue damage. Putrefaction is the decomposition of tissues by bacteria, resulting in the release of foul odor and gas.