What is algor mortis best described as?

Algor mortis refers specifically to the cooling of the body after death. Following the cessation of life, the body begins to lose heat gradually, which is a vital process in the study of time of death in forensic science. The internal body temperature drops at a predictable rate, typically around 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit per hour, until it reaches the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment. This change in temperature is crucial for forensic investigations, as it helps forensic experts estimate the time since death.

The other options describe different post-mortem phenomena—accumulation of deoxygenated blood relates to livor mortis, the stiffening of muscles is known as rigor mortis, and evidence of sexual activity after death pertains to specific forensic indicators rather than temperature changes. Understanding algor mortis is essential for anyone studying forensic science or involved in law enforcement, as it can provide critical information in solving cases.