[Micromorphology of rigor mortis in human skeletal muscle].

Following our examination on rat muscle, it was investigated, whether alterations, observed in semi thin sections and by TEM could be used for forensic purposes. Investigated were extension of stiffened muscles. Samples of various muscle groups were taken at different time intervals before and after breaking the rigor muscle fibers. They were examined by light and electron microscopy. Results on the development and spontaneous disappearance of rigor mortis during the early and intermediate post mortem period are almost equivalent to those found by experiments on animals. Results concerning the breaking of rigor mortis, however, are sometimes considerably more discrete and diverge substantially. Because of artifacts, especially during the transport of the corpse, the interpretation is more difficult. The use of other techniques combined with drawing out muscle samples immediately at the place, where the corpse is found, may optimize the results.