What term describes the process of body cooling following death?

The process of body cooling following death is referred to as Algor Mortis. This term specifically describes the decrease in body temperature that occurs after the cessation of metabolic processes. Following death, the body is no longer able to maintain its core temperature, leading to a gradual cooling that can be influenced by multiple factors, including environmental temperature and clothing. This cooling process is a critical component in forensic science, as it can help determine the time of death based on the rate of temperature change.

Rigor Mortis, on the other hand, pertains to the stiffening of muscles that occurs after death due to biochemical changes. Livor Mortis refers to the pooling of blood in the body due to gravity, which can also provide important post-mortem information. Decomposition is a broader term that encompasses the breakdown of bodily tissues over time but does not specifically relate to the cooling process.