An autopsy, also called a post-mortem examination, is a detailed medical examination of a body after death. It is performed by a pathologist, a medical doctor who specializes in analyzing tissues and body fluids. The primary purpose of an autopsy is to determine the cause of death, but it can also be used to understand the effects of a disease or evaluate the success of medical treatments. The procedure provides a comprehensive look at the body’s internal state, offering insights that are not available through external observation alone.
Purpose and Types of Autopsies
An autopsy may be performed for two distinct reasons, categorized as either a clinical or a forensic examination. A clinical autopsy is conducted to answer medical questions and is often requested by the deceased’s family or physicians. Its purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of a known disease, determine the effectiveness of treatments, or identify a genetic condition that could affect other family members. Consent from the next of kin is required before a clinical autopsy can proceed.
A forensic autopsy, or medico-legal autopsy, is performed for legal purposes when a death is sudden, violent, or otherwise suspicious. A forensic examination is ordered by a legal authority, such as a coroner or medical examiner, and does not typically require family consent. The main objective is to determine the cause and manner of death—whether it was natural, accidental, a suicide, or a homicide. This type of autopsy is a component of a broader investigation that may involve law enforcement.
The Autopsy Examination
The autopsy begins with a thorough external examination of the body. The pathologist records the individual’s height, weight, age, and sex, and documents any identifying features such as scars or tattoos. Fingerprints may also be collected at this stage for identification purposes. The skin is carefully inspected for any signs of injury or discoloration, and the eyes are examined for hemorrhages.
Following the external assessment, the internal examination commences with a Y-shaped incision from the shoulders to the pubic bone. This incision allows the pathologist to open the chest and abdominal cavities to access the internal organs. The ribcage is opened to expose the heart and lungs, and a blood sample is often taken directly from the heart. The pathologist then systematically removes the organs for detailed inspection.
Each organ is weighed, measured, and dissected to identify any signs of disease or injury. The pathologist takes small tissue samples from each organ for microscopic analysis, a process known as histology. This allows for the detection of cellular-level abnormalities not visible to the naked eye. The contents of the stomach are also examined, which can help estimate the time of death.
To examine the brain, an incision is made across the scalp, and a section of the skull is removed using a specialized saw. The brain is then carefully extracted for a detailed neuropathological assessment. Throughout the procedure, samples of bodily fluids like blood and urine are collected. These are used for toxicology tests to screen for the presence of drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
After the Autopsy
Once the examination is complete, the body is respectfully prepared for release. The organs are typically returned to the body cavity, and all incisions are carefully sutured. The body is reconstructed to allow for a viewing or open-casket funeral, with the incisions hidden by clothing.
The pathologist compiles all the findings into a comprehensive autopsy report. This document details the results of the external and internal examinations, microscopic analysis, and toxicology tests. The report concludes with the pathologist’s final determination of the cause and manner of death. The completion of this final report can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the tests required.