Untitled Flashcards Set

What is pathology?

The study of disease, divided into anatomic pathology and clinical pathology.

What are the two branches of pathology?

Anatomic pathology and clinical pathology.

What does anatomic pathology include?

Cytology, histology, and autopsy.

What does clinical pathology include?

Lab administration, blood bank, chemistry, hematology, molecular pathology, microbiology, and urinalysis.

Who are pathologists?

Physicians trained in anatomic and/or clinical pathology who supervise medical laboratories and diagnose diseases.

What is forensic pathology?

The medicolegal investigation of sudden, unexplained deaths, violent deaths, and suspicious deaths.

What is the role of forensic pathologists?

They are anatomic pathologists trained in special autopsy procedures and testify as expert witnesses in courts.

What does it take to be a forensic pathologist?

A bachelor's degree, medical degree, residency in anatomic or both anatomic and clinical pathology, and a fellowship in forensic pathology.

Why investigate death?

To identify the decedent, determine the cause and manner of death, identify diseases, provide closure to families, and ascertain if a crime has been committed.

What is the difference between coroner and medical examiner systems?

Coroners are usually not physicians with minimal training, while medical examiners are board-certified forensic pathologists who perform autopsies.

What is an autopsy?

An examination of a deceased individual, which may involve external and internal examinations.

Who performs hospital autopsies?

General pathologists perform hospital autopsies with written permission from next of kin.

What are the top 3 causes of death in the US as of 2021?

Heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19.

What is the significance of death certificates?

They provide mortality statistics, are often required before burial or cremation, and are needed for insurance payouts.

What are the required fields for medical certification on a death certificate?

Date and time of death, cause and manner of death, referral to ME, autopsy performed, and other relevant health factors.

What is considered a cause of death?

Any injury or disease that produces a physiologic derangement resulting in death.

What is an example of undetermined cause of death?

A death where no specific cause can be determined after investigation and autopsy.

What is the mechanism of death?

The physiologic derangement caused by the cause of death that results in death.

What are the five manners of death?

Natural, accident, suicide, homicide, and undetermined.

What defines natural death?

Death due solely or nearly entirely to disease or the aging process.

What distinguishes accidental death from suicide?

Accidental death has no intent to harm, whereas suicide is an intentional self-harm act.

How is homicide defined in forensic pathology?

Death resulting from an injury inflicted by another person with intent to harm.

What is the significance of 'pending' on a death certificate?

It is an initial term used while further investigations are pending, but not a final manner of death.

How are deaths due to drug toxicity classified?

Typically classified as 'accident'.

What classification is given to deaths during Russian Roulette?

Typically classified as 'suicide'.

How are vehicular fatalities treated in forensic pathology?

Usually classified as 'accident', even if the driver was impaired.

What is the classification for deaths caused by toxic envenomation?

Usually classified as 'accident'.

What classification do deaths from law enforcement chokeholds fall under?

Typically classified as 'homicide'.