How long does rigor mortis last when the body is cold and limp?

Rigor mortis refers to the postmortem stiffening of the muscles that occurs after death due to biochemical changes in the body. After death, the body undergoes a series of physiological processes, including the onset of rigor mortis, which typically begins a few hours after death and can last for a variable period depending on several factors, including environmental conditions and the condition of the body.

When rigor mortis sets in, the body becomes rigid and stiff, and this condition generally lasts for approximately 12 to 24 hours. However, it's essential to note that the muscle stiffness will eventually dissipate as the body continues to decompose, and this process can take significantly longer in cold conditions. In colder environments, rigor mortis can last longer than normal, persisting up to 36 hours or more if the body remains in a cold state, contributing to the perception that rigor mortis can last "more than 36 hours."

Thus, the option stating that rigor mortis lasts for more than 36 hours aligns with the understanding that various factors can prolong the duration of rigor in cold and limp conditions, making it a plausible duration in certain postmortem scenarios.