Algor Mortis — Definition
Algor mortis is the postmortem cooling of the body until it reaches the temperature of the surrounding environment.
Mechanism
After death:
- Heat production ceases.
- Heat is gradually lost by radiation, conduction, convection and evaporation.
Factors Affecting Algor Mortis
Factors accelerating cooling
- Cold environment
- Thin body build
- Naked body
- Air movement (wind)
- Immersion in water
- Hemorrhage before death
Factors delaying cooling
- Hot environment
- Obesity
- Thick clothing
- Fever before death
- Septicemia
Clinical
Medicolegal importance
- Estimation of time since death.
- Useful during the early postmortem period.