Question

What is ZASKO's phenomenon?

• A. Tendon reflex occurring after death
• B. Blood clotting after death
• C. Gaping of wound along skin tension lines
• D. Seeping of blood through bones after death

Hint:

ZASKO's phenomenon is related to postmortem tendon reflex.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks for the definition of a specific post-mortem clinical sign used in forensic medicine to estimate the time since death.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Supravital Period: This is the interval between somatic death (cessation of heart/brain function) and molecular death (death of individual cells). During this time, tissues still retain some metabolic energy and irritability.

Zasko's Phenomenon: It refers to the mechanical irritability of skeletal muscles shortly after death. Specifically, it is the contraction or "tendon reflex" that can be elicited by a sharp mechanical stimulus (like a tap with a reflex hammer) on a muscle or its tendon.

Clinical Observation: It is most commonly observed in the biceps or quadriceps. A firm tap causes the muscle to twitch or contract briefly.

Timing: This phenomenon is typically elicitable for about 1.5 to 2 hours after somatic death has occurred. It disappears as the cells enter molecular death and ATP is depleted.

Other Supravital Signs: These include pupillary reactions to chemicals (up to 4 hours), sweat gland response to adrenaline, and electrical excitability of muscles (up to 6-8 hours).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Zasko's phenomenon is a supravital reaction characterized by a tendon reflex or muscle contraction that can be elicited after death.