Postmortem Examination Review

These flashcards cover key terminology and procedures for postmortem examinations, focusing on necropsies.

Postmortem Examination

A thorough examination of a body to determine the cause and manner of death.

Necropsy

The examination of a body after death; known as autopsy in humans.

DVM

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, often performs necropsies in practice.

Pathologist

A medical specialist who examines tissues and organs to diagnose disease.

Cause of death

The specific medical condition or event that led to the death.

Thorough necropsy

May require both external examination and internal dissection.

Legal purposes

Reasons related to law that necessitate a necropsy, such as determining if a foal was stillborn.

Specimen collection materials

Tools and supplies needed to collect samples from the body during a necropsy.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; necessary for safety during necropsies.

Cadaver disposal

Proper methods of disposing of animal remains after a necropsy.

Clinical history

Previous medical history and diagnoses associated with the animal.

External abnormalities

Visible physical changes on the body that may indicate underlying issues.

Pleural effusion

Fluid buildup in the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs.

Diaphragm

Muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Alimentary canal

The whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus.

Tissue fixation

The process of preserving tissues for examination.

Thoracic cavity

The chamber of the body that houses the lungs and heart.

Autolysis

The self-digestion or self-destruction of cells after death.

Routine samples

Common tissues collected from cadavers for analysis.

Lymph nodes

Small glands that act as filters for harmful substances.

Cysts

Abnormal sac-like structures filled with liquid or semisolid material.

Fluid collection

The process of gathering bodily fluids for further analysis.

Examine in situ

To observe and assess organs in their original position.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores bile; often removed during a necropsy.

Brain examination

Assessment of the brain for any abnormalities postmortem.

Special samples

Tissues taken only when symptoms suggest their importance.

Rabies

A viral disease that can be suspected in cases involving animal deaths.

Head examination

Properly assessing the head and brain cavities during a necropsy.

Cooling techniques

Methods to rapidly reduce the temperature of cadavers to prevent tissue decay.

Surgical equipment

Tools needed for performing detailed examinations and dissections.

Collect sterile samples

Gather samples in a manner that prevents contamination.