According to Nysten's rule, rigor mortis typically appears first in which of the following muscle groups?
- A Lower limbs
- B Upper limbs
- C Eyelids and jaw ✓
- D Trunk muscles
Correct answer: C. Eyelids and jaw
Explanation
Nysten's rule states that rigor mortis appears first in the involuntary muscles (myocardium, diaphragm, smooth muscles), then in the smaller muscles of the head and neck (eyelids, jaw, neck), followed by the upper limbs, and finally the lower limbs. This sequence is useful in estimating the postmortem interval. The lower limbs are the last to be affected.
Reference: Reddy's Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 34th ed.
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