The Triangle of Postmortem Changes

Cooling, Settling, and Stiffening

After death, the body undergoes three primary physical changes: Cooling, Settling, and Stiffening. These processes—known scientifically as algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis—occur within the first hours and provide insight into the postmortem timeline of death.

1. Cooling (Algor Mortis): The body begins to lose heat, gradually matching the surrounding temperature. This cooling process is influenced by environmental conditions and typically occurs at a predictable rate, aiding forensic investigations.

2. Settling (Livor Mortis): As the heart stops pumping, blood settles in the lowest parts of the body due to gravity. This causes discoloration in dependent areas, often appearing as purple or red patches, and provides clues about the position of the body at the time of death.

3. Stiffening (Rigor Mortis): Muscles stiffen due to chemical changes as energy stores are depleted. This rigidity begins within hours and dissipates after a day or two.

   
   

Understanding cooling, settling, and stiffening helps demystify the early physical changes after death.