An autopsy (post-mortem examination/ obduction/ necropsy/ autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death or to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present for research or educational purposes. Autopsies are usually performed by a specialized medical doctor called a pathologist. There are four main types of autopsies: Medico-Legal Autopsy, Clinical or Pathological autopsies, Anatomical or academic autopsies and Virtual or medical imaging autopsies

                 Medico-Legal autopsies seek to find the cause and manner of death. They are generally performed, in cases of violent, suspicious or sudden deaths, deaths without medical assistance or during surgical procedures. Pathological autopsies are performed to diagnose a particular disease or for research purposes. They aim to determine, clarify, or confirm medical diagnoses that remained unknown or unclear prior to the patient's death. academic autopsies are performed by students of anatomy for study purpose only. medical imaging autopsies are performed utilizing imaging technology only, primarily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).

                 There are two parts to the physical examination of the body: the external and internal examination. Toxicology, biochemical tests or genetic testing/molecular autopsy often supplement these and frequently assist the pathologist in assigning the cause or causes of death.

At many institutions the person responsible for handling, cleaning, and moving the body is called a diener. After the body is received, it is first photographed. The examiner then notes the kind of clothes and their position on the body before they are removed. Next, any evidence such as residue, flakes of paint or other material is collected from the external surfaces of the body. Ultraviolet light may also be used to search body surfaces for any evidence not easily visible to the naked eye. Samples of hair, nails and the like are taken. Once the external evidence is collected, the body is removed from the bag, undressed, and any wounds present are examined. The body is then cleaned, weighed, and measured in preparation for the internal examination. A general description of the body as regards ethnic group, sex, age, hair colour and length, eye colour and other distinguishing features (birthmarks, old scar tissue, moles, tattoos, etc.) is then made. The internal examination consists of inspecting the internal organs of the body by dissection for evidence of trauma or other indications of the cause of death. An important component of the autopsy is the reconstitution of the body such that it can be viewed.

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Journal of Forensic Toxicology and Pharmacology

SciTechnol Journals

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