Chapter 16: Selected Procedures at Autopsy

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about selected autopsy procedures.

Wound Tract Probe

A smooth, highly polished, chrome plated rod used to trace wound paths during autopsy.

.22 Caliber Probe Weight

Approximately ¾ of an ounce.

.38 Caliber Probe Weight

Approximately 1.5 ounces.

Wound Tract Probing Technique

Paced at the opening and eased in; allowing the probe to find its own way.

Skull Reconstruction

The process of reassembling fractured skull fragments during autopsy to identify trauma.

Skull Reconstruction Adhesives

Wood glue, electric drill, copper wire or string.

Neck Examination

Procedure focusing on cases of suspected strangulation and hangings.

Neck Incision Type

A straight vertical midline incision from below the chin down to the pubis.

Neck Dissection

Careful layer-wise dissection of the strap muscles in situ.

En Bloc Removal

Removal of the neck organs together under direct vision.

Hyoid Bone

A bone in the neck that is examined during autopsy.

Superior Thyroid Artery

An artery in the neck region.

Thyroid Cartilage

Cartilage in the neck region.

Common Carotid Arteries

Arteries in the neck region.

Isthmus of the Thyroid

A part of the thyroid.

Trachea

The windpipe.

Cricoid Cartilage

Cartilage in the neck region.

Parathyroid Glands

Glands near the thyroid.

Inferior Thyroid Artery

An artery in the neck region.

Brain Fixation

Preserving the brain in formalin for 4-5 days before sectioning.

Postmortem Rape Victim Examination

Examination that includes pubic hair collection.

Ultraviolet Lamp Use

Tool utilized for preliminary semen search.

Sperm Motility Duration

Ranges from 30 minutes to 60 hours, but usually nonmotile in 3-4 hours.

Sperm and Decomposition

Decomposition does not alter the presence of sperm.

Sperm and Embalming

Embalming of the body helps preserve sperm.

Autopsy Room Photography Angles

All photos should be taken at right angles.

Autopsy Photos Gore Level

Photographs should not be too gory, especially when in color.

Extraneous Object Exclusion

Scalpels and scissors should not be included in autopsy photographs.

Offensive Photographs

Many courts object to the admission of unduly offensive photographs.

Formalin

Chemical used to fix the brain before sectioning.