The following are examples of intrinsic factors affecting algor mortis: corporeal mass, age, vital signs, and activity/metabolism. These examples illustrate which category?

• A. Intrinsic factors of algor mortis
• B. Extrinsic factors of algor mortis
• C. Postmortem changes unrelated to temperature
• D. Biological rhythms

Answer: (A)

Intrinsic factors are internal characteristics of the body that influence how quickly algor mortis—the cooling of the body after death—occurs. Body mass affects heat content: larger bodies have more heat to lose, so cooling proceeds differently than in smaller bodies. Age can alter tissue properties and metabolic rate, which changes how heat is produced or retained after death. Vital signs and activity/metabolism reflect the decedent’s physiological state at death, and these ongoing internal processes influence residual heat and the rate of cooling. Because these elements come from within the person, they’re intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors would be external influences like ambient temperature, airflow, humidity, or clothing, which aren’t indicated here.