A farmer is found dead in his field with a handful of grass and weeds tightly clutched in his right fist. The grip cannot be broken even by firm traction, and the objects held remain firmly grasped. This finding is best explained by:

• A Rigor mortis involving the flexors of the hand
• B Postmortem coagulation of tendons
• C Heat stiffening of the upper limb muscles
• D Cadaveric spasm ✓

Explanation

Cadaveric spasm is a state of instantaneous muscular contraction occurring at the very moment of death, without any preceding primary flaccidity. It affects a group of muscles, is always antemortem, and cannot be reproduced artificially, unlike rigor mortis which develops after a variable delay and can be broken and re-formed only in its early stage. A tightly gripped object such as grass, a weapon, or clothing is the classic forensic marker, indicating an intense voluntary act at death and supporting homicide or suicide over an accidental collapse.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Narayan Reddy, 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.