In which structure does rigor mortis appear FIRST after death?
- A Myocardium ✓
- B Muscles of the neck and trunk
- C Muscles of the eyelids and face
- D Muscles of the lower limbs
Correct answer: A. Myocardium
Explanation
Rigor mortis follows a fixed sequence: it begins in the myocardium within about an hour of death, then spreads to the involuntary muscles, followed by voluntary muscles in the order of face and eyelids, neck, trunk, upper limbs and finally lower limbs. It passes off in the same order. Limb muscles are the last to stiffen, so options listing them first contradict the established sequence described in standard texts.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 35th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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