Prolongation of the last violent contraction of muscles is known as which phenomenon?

• A. Cadaveric Spasm
• B. Death Rattle
• C. Necrobiosis
• D. Moribund

Answer: (A)

Cadaveric spasm occurs when the muscles undergo a final, violent contraction at the moment of death and remain rigid, locking the body in the position of that last movement. This instant contraction preserves the grip or posture, giving the impression of a struggle even though death has occurred. It differs from rigor mortis, which develops gradually after death rather than being locked in immediately. The other terms describe different phenomena: death rattle is a noisy respiration from airway secretions, necrobiosis refers to tissue degeneration, and moribund simply means in a dying state, not a specific muscular event.