A Study on the Relationship Between the Extent of Rigor Mortis and the Different Possible Causes of Death in Rats

Abstract

This research was conducted so as to determine whether a relationship does exist between the time needed for the onset of Rigor mortis and the different types of death that can be applied on to the rats. The rats were killed four different ways. They were killed through suffocation, strangulation, drowning, and laceration and it was discovered that the rate of Rigor Mortis was fastest for those rats that drowned. This was followed by strangulations, then suffocation and then by laceration. Since the loss of ATP can account for the manifestation of Rigor Mortis, it can be concluded that the activities of the rats prior to their death generally dictated how early this phenomenon will be exhibited. This is the only relationship that seems to be exhibited. Based on the statistical test used, it was established that there is a significant different in the values that were taken. As to the existence of a relationship, there is not significant relationship that was established between the extent of Rigor Mortis and the different causes of death and this can be attributed to the very slight difference in the ties for the manifestation of Rigor Mortis between those that died by strangulation and suffocation.