Question

When a dead body is exposed to freezing temperatures, cold stiffening of the body occurs due to solidification of:

• A. Proteins present in the body
• B. Carbohydrates present in the body
• C. Fats present in the body
• D. Minerals present in the body

Hint:

Remember the difference: Rigor Mortis is {chemical} (ATP depletion) and disappears with decomposition. Cold Stiffening is {physical} (freezing of fats/fluids) and disappears upon thawing the body.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Cold stiffening, or frost rigor, occurs when a body becomes stiff in cold temperatures.
Step 1: Distinguish from rigor mortis. Rigor mortis involves chemical changes (ATP depletion, actin/myosin binding). Cold stiffening is a physical process, not chemical.

Step 2: Determine the cause of cold stiffening. Body fluids and tissues freeze at freezing temperatures. Solidification of subcutaneous fat causes limbs and tissues to harden and stiffen.

Step 3: Analyze the choices. While all components freeze, the primary cause of stiffness is fat solidification and freezing of joint synovial fluid. The most accurate cause among the options is the solidification of fats.