Which statement is NOT consistent with Nysten's law?

Which statement is NOT consistent with Nysten's law?

• A. Rigidity begins with the muscles of mastication
• B. Rigidity progresses head to feet
• C. Legs and feet stiffen last
• D. Rigidity begins in the abdominal muscles

Answer: (D)

Nysten's law describes how rigor mortis develops in a characteristic sequence after death: it begins in the small, highly active muscles of the face and jaw, and then spreads downward through the body from head toward feet. This pattern explains why statements about starting in the muscles of mastication are correct, and why a head-to-feet progression makes sense. The legs and feet stiffen last, which aligns with the downward spread. The statement about the abdominal muscles starting the rigidity does not fit the usual pattern. Abdominal muscles are large trunk muscles and are not among the first to stiffen; the onset typically occurs in the face and neck before moving down. Factors like temperature and overall physiology can affect timing, but the established order remains from head to toe, not starting in the abdomen.

Nysten's law describes how rigor mortis develops in a characteristic sequence after death: it begins in the small, highly active muscles of the face and jaw, and then spreads downward through the body from head toward feet. This pattern explains why statements about starting in the muscles of mastication are correct, and why a head-to-feet progression makes sense. The legs and feet stiffen last, which aligns with the downward spread.

The statement about the abdominal muscles starting the rigidity does not fit the usual pattern. Abdominal muscles are large trunk muscles and are not among the first to stiffen; the onset typically occurs in the face and neck before moving down. Factors like temperature and overall physiology can affect timing, but the established order remains from head to toe, not starting in the abdomen.