Question

Why doesn't rigor mortis form before 4 hours after death?

Answer 1

Answer:

stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body usually lasting from one to four days

Answer 2

Rigor mortis can be used to help estimate the time of death. Muscles function normally immediately after death. The onset of rigor mortis may range from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on factors including temperature (rapid cooling of a body can inhibit rigor mortis, but it occurs upon thawing). Under normal conditions, the process sets in within four hours. Facial muscles and other small muscles are affected before larger muscles. Maximum stiffness is reached around 12-24 hours post mortem.