The muscles of a recently deceased human can remain in a contracted state, termed rigor mortis, for several hours, due to the lack of

Because of the remaining actin-myosin bonds.

Explanation:

After death, the body can still continue to produce energy as ATP and that ATP interacts with the myosin within the muscles, causing the muscles to remain contracted and tense. This is what causes rigor mortis, the body is unable to break the bonds between actin and myosin.

I hope this answer helps.

ATP NEEDED TO BREAK ACTIN-MYOSIN BONDS

Explanation: ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the substance that allows energy to flow into the muscles,this energy helps the muscle to contract and work well so without this chemical (ATP), energy can't flow into the muscles and the muscle in-turn cannot function or contract.

When an individual dies,the body stiffens as a result of loss of Adenosine Triphosphate.

The muscles then stays in a contracted state until ATP becomes binded to myosin, thereafter, myosin and actin filaments will be released from one another.

gfgfgfgfgfgf

explanation: