What is typically the first stage observed in the postmortem process of rigor mortis?

In the postmortem process of rigor mortis, the first observable change is small muscle rigidity. This occurs as the biochemical processes within the body begin to break down following death. The earliest signs of rigor mortis typically manifest in the small muscles of the body, such as those in the face and eyes, as they require less energy to reach a state of stiffness compared to larger muscle groups.

As the process progresses, the rigidity will then spread to the larger skeletal muscles. This progression illustrates the order in which the muscles become rigid after death, making small muscle rigidity the first observable stage. Recognizing this initial change is crucial for forensic investigators, as it aids in estimating the time of death and assessing the postmortem state of the body.