Following somatic death, individual cells and tissues survive for variable periods. Which tissue retains excitability for the longest duration after somatic death?
- A Bone marrow and cartilage ✓
- B Corneal epithelium
- C Skeletal muscle
- D Cardiac muscle
Correct answer: A. Bone marrow and cartilage
Explanation
Molecular death proceeds at different rates in different tissues. Nervous tissue dies within minutes, cardiac muscle survives up to about an hour, skeletal muscle responds to electrical stimulation for about 2 hours, and the cornea remains viable for roughly 6 hours. Cartilage and bone marrow are the most resistant and remain alive for several days, which is why they are used for transplantation long after somatic death.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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