Under Nysten's law, which statement is true about the timing of rigor mortis in the legs?

Under Nysten's law, which statement is true about the timing of rigor mortis in the legs?

• A. Affects legs and feet last
• B. Affects legs and feet first
• C. Affects legs and feet simultaneously with facial muscles
• D. Never affects legs and feet

Answer: (A)

Rigor mortis follows a sequence from small to large muscle groups. According to Nysten's law, the onset begins with the small muscles of the face and jaw, then moves to the neck and upper limbs, and only later to the large muscles of the legs and feet. So, the legs and feet are affected last. This matches the typical progression observed in postmortem stiffening. The other statements conflict with this established order, since leg muscles are not the first to stiffen, the onset is not simultaneous with facial muscles, and rigor does occur in the legs rather than never affecting them.

Rigor mortis follows a sequence from small to large muscle groups. According to Nysten's law, the onset begins with the small muscles of the face and jaw, then moves to the neck and upper limbs, and only later to the large muscles of the legs and feet. So, the legs and feet are affected last. This matches the typical progression observed in postmortem stiffening. The other statements conflict with this established order, since leg muscles are not the first to stiffen, the onset is not simultaneous with facial muscles, and rigor does occur in the legs rather than never affecting them.