Rigor mortis affects skeletal muscles a few hours after death, due to
A)an increase in ATP and decreased permeability to calcium.
B)a decrease in ATP and increased permeability to calcium.
C)an increase in ATP.
D)impulses that produce sustained contractions.

Question

Rigor mortis affects skeletal muscles a few hours after death, due to
A)an increase in ATP and decreased permeability to calcium.
B)a decrease in ATP and increased permeability to calcium.
C)an increase in ATP.
D)impulses that produce sustained contractions.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rigor mortis occurs due to a lack of ATP after death, which is needed for muscle relaxation. Without ATP, the myosin and actin filaments cannot separate, causing sustained muscle contractions. Additionally, the lack of ATP leads to an increase in calcium permeability, which allows for more calcium to enter the muscle fibers and initiate contractions.

Rigor Mortis Affects Skeletal Muscles a Few Hours After Death