Which term refers to the prolongation of the last violent contraction of muscles?

Which term refers to the prolongation of the last violent contraction of muscles?

• A. Cadaveric Spasm
• B. Death Rattle
• C. Necrobiosis
• D. Moribund

Answer: (A)

Cadaveric spasm is the prolongation of the last violent contraction of muscles. It occurs immediately at or just after death, locking the muscles in the position they were in when life ended—often seen as a firm grip or a rigid posture that can last for minutes to hours. This differs from rigor mortis, which develops gradually after death due to biochemical changes and spreads through the body over time. Cadaveric spasm is more likely in states of intense physical exertion or stress before death, such as drowning or violent death, and is most noticeable in the hands or arms. It is not related to airway noise (death rattle), tissue degeneration (necrobiosis), or a dying state (moribund).

Cadaveric spasm is the prolongation of the last violent contraction of muscles. It occurs immediately at or just after death, locking the muscles in the position they were in when life ended—often seen as a firm grip or a rigid posture that can last for minutes to hours. This differs from rigor mortis, which develops gradually after death due to biochemical changes and spreads through the body over time. Cadaveric spasm is more likely in states of intense physical exertion or stress before death, such as drowning or violent death, and is most noticeable in the hands or arms. It is not related to airway noise (death rattle), tissue degeneration (necrobiosis), or a dying state (moribund).