Algor mortis describes which postmortem change?

• A. Change in body temperature post mortem until ambient temperature is matched
• B. Color change in the skin after death
• C. Drying of tissue due to environment
• D. Swelling of tissues due to gas buildup

Answer: (A)

After death, the body stops producing heat, so it cools down gradually toward the surrounding environment. This cooling process continues until the body’s temperature matches ambient temperature, and that progression is what algor mortis describes. The rate at which cooling occurs depends on factors like ambient temperature, air flow, clothing, body size and fat, and whether the body is in water, making it useful for rough timing estimates within a range rather than an exact moment. Other postmortem changes involve different processes: color changes in the skin from blood settling (livor mortis), drying of tissues (desiccation), and gas buildup leading to swelling from decomposition.