What phenomenon can precede the actual event of death involving muscle contractions?

The phenomenon that can precede the actual event of death involving muscle contractions is best described as the agonal reflex. This term refers to the series of involuntary muscle movements or reflex actions that can occur just before or at the very moment of death. These reflexes are often the body's last responses to the cessation of life functions, manifesting as sporadic muscle contractions or movements that may be observed in the dying individual. The agonal reflex is a physiological response to the shutting down of the body's systems and can sometimes appear as gasping or jerking motions.

In contrast, other terms such as death struggle, cadaveric spasm, or mortal agony refer to different concepts or stages related to the dying process. The death struggle typically involves a more prolonged fight for breath and can occur in the moments leading up to death but does not strictly denote muscle contractions alone. Cadaveric spasm, on the other hand, refers to the immediate stiffening of muscles occurring post-mortem, rather than an event preceding death. Mortal agony may describe the suffering involved in the process of dying but does not specifically relate to the muscle contractions that can occur just before death.

Thus, the correct answer focuses on the agonal reflex representing the involuntary