Role of a Forensic Autopsy Technician and Related Concepts

These flashcards cover important terminology and concepts related to the role of a forensic autopsy technician, focusing on the types of autopsies, relevant procedures, and the legal aspects surrounding forensic pathology.

Autopsy

A thorough examination performed by a pathologist to determine the cause and manner of death.

Clinical Autopsy

An autopsy performed when the cause of death is already known, typically when the death is natural, and is often used for research.

Forensic Autopsy

An autopsy performed to determine the cause of death and manner of death in cases that are suspicious or non-natural.

Chain of Custody

A process that ensures evidence is properly maintained and documented from the crime scene to the courtroom.

Toxicology

The study and testing of bodily fluids and tissues to determine the presence of drugs or toxins, often critical in forensic autopsies.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffening of the muscles after death, which is an important factor in the examination of a deceased body.

GSR (Gun Shot Residue)

Residue that may be found on a person's hands after firing a gun, tested to link individuals to shooting incidents.

Medico-legal Autopsy

Another term for forensic autopsy, emphasizing its legal context and role in death investigations.

Virchow Technique

A method of autopsy where organs are removed one by one.

Rokitansky Technique

A method of autopsy where all of the internal organs are removed at once while still connected.

Date of Death (TOD)

The determination of the time at which a person has died.

Identification of Decedent

The process of establishing the identity of the deceased individual.

Accidental Death

A classification of death resulting from unintentional injuries or events.

Coroner

An elected public official (usually without specialized medical training) who conducts medicolegal death investigations.

Medical Examiner

An appointed forensic pathologist who conducts medicolegal death investigations and performs autopsies.

Forensic Pathologist

A physician who specializes in investigating deaths and performing autopsies in legal contexts.

Postmortem Examination

Another term for forensic autopsy or clinical autopsy performed on a deceased individual.

Cadaver Evidence Collection

The process of gathering physical evidence from the deceased during an autopsy.

Blunt Force Trauma

Injury resulting from an impact with a dull object, often investigated in forensic pathology.

Homicide

The intentional killing of another person, a primary focus in forensic autopsies.

Postmortem Toxicology

The analysis of bodily fluids and tissues after death for substance presence, often crucial in determining cause of death.