Thanatology mnemonic

Early changes after death in order of appearance

The mnemonic

Algor, Livor, Rigor (ALR)

What each word stands for

  • AlgorAlgor mortis: cooling of the body
  • LivorLivor mortis: post-mortem staining from gravitational blood pooling
  • RigorRigor mortis: stiffening of muscles

Why it matters clinically

Used together to estimate the time since death.

Where it stops being reliable

The three overlap and start at different times, and each is affected by temperature, build, activity before death and cause of death. Time estimates are ranges, never exact.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Thanatology mnemonic?

Algor, Livor, Rigor (ALR). It helps you recall: Early changes after death in order of appearance.

What does "Algor" stand for?

Algor mortis: cooling of the body

What does "Livor" stand for?

Livor mortis: post-mortem staining from gravitational blood pooling

What does "Rigor" stand for?

Rigor mortis: stiffening of muscles

What are all the parts of the Algor, Livor, Rigor (ALR) mnemonic?

Algor: Algor mortis: cooling of the body; Livor: Livor mortis: post-mortem staining from gravitational blood pooling; Rigor: Rigor mortis: stiffening of muscles.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Thanatology in Forensic Medicine.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

The three overlap and start at different times, and each is affected by temperature, build, activity before death and cause of death. Time estimates are ranges, never exact.

How is this useful clinically?

Used together to estimate the time since death.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Forensic Medicine question about Thanatology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.