Which item is an extrinsic factor affecting algor mortis?

Which item is an extrinsic factor affecting algor mortis?

• A. Ambient temperature
• B. Corpulence
• C. Vital signs
• D. Metabolism

Answer: (A)

Algor mortis is the body's cooling after death, and how fast heat is lost depends largely on factors outside the body. Ambient temperature is a clear external condition that shapes this cooling because it sets the environment into which heat must dissipate. When the surrounding air is cooler, the temperature gradient between the body and its surroundings is larger, so heat transfer occurs more quickly and cooling accelerates. In a warmer environment, the gradient is smaller, and cooling slows. That external, environmental influence is what makes ambient temperature an extrinsic factor. In contrast, corpulence refers to body fat and insulation inside the body, which affects how slowly heat is lost and is an intrinsic property. Vital signs and metabolism describe physiological state and heat production prior to death, also intrinsic factors.

Algor mortis is the body's cooling after death, and how fast heat is lost depends largely on factors outside the body. Ambient temperature is a clear external condition that shapes this cooling because it sets the environment into which heat must dissipate. When the surrounding air is cooler, the temperature gradient between the body and its surroundings is larger, so heat transfer occurs more quickly and cooling accelerates. In a warmer environment, the gradient is smaller, and cooling slows. That external, environmental influence is what makes ambient temperature an extrinsic factor.

In contrast, corpulence refers to body fat and insulation inside the body, which affects how slowly heat is lost and is an intrinsic property. Vital signs and metabolism describe physiological state and heat production prior to death, also intrinsic factors.