Autospy

AUTOSPY

☆ Autospy also known as necropsies or post mortem examination. Derived from the Greek word "autopsia" meaning "to see with one's own eyes". It is a procedure wherein anatomic pathologists dissect corpses to determine the cause of death and to add to medical knowledge. The autopsy begins with a complete external examination. The weight and height of the body are recorded, and identifying marks such as scars and tattoos also are recorded.

Postmortem Examination

☆Examination of body after death.

☆By law-when death is sudden or occurs within 48 hours of admission.

☆Organs and tissues are examined to establish the exact cause of death and to assist in the accumulation of statistical data.

☆The internal examination begins with the creation of a Y or U- shaped incision from both shoulders joining over the sternum and continuing down to the pubic bone.

☆The skin and underlying tissues are then separated to expose the rib cage and abdominal cavity.

☆The front of the rib cage is removed to expose the neck and chest organs.

☆Small samples are typically taken from all organs to be made into slide preparations for examination under a microscope.

☆At the end of an autopsy, the incisions made in the body are sewn closed.

☆The organs may be returned to the body or may be retained for teaching, research, and diagnostic purposes.

Types

☆Medico-Legal Autopsy or Forensic or coroner's autopsies: Those ordered by coroner for sudden and suspicions death

☆Anatomical or academic autopsies

☆Clinical or Pathological autopsies

Purposes

☆Determine the cause of death

☆The state of health of the person before he or she died,

☆ To check any medical diagnosis and treatment before death was appropriate