What does Algor Mortis refer to in terms of postmortem changes?

Algor mortis is a term used to describe the postmortem cooling of the body. After death, the body gradually loses heat until it reaches the temperature of the surrounding environment. This process occurs due to the cessation of metabolic processes that generate heat in a living organism, leading to a predictable and measurable decline in temperature over time.

Understanding algor mortis is important in forensic science and medicine, as it can help establish the time of death. The cooling rate can vary based on several factors, including the environment in which the body is found, clothing, and the manner of death. By knowing these variables, professionals can make informed estimates about how long a body has been deceased.

The other options pertain to different postmortem changes: rigor mortis refers to stiffening of the muscles after death, total cessation of bodily functions does describe the state of death but does not refer specifically to cooling, and decomposition by bacteria relates to the breakdown of tissues and organs following death.