Autopsy

Beyond The Bones

Autopsy

You may have most likely seen someone cut open a corpse, examine each organ, and record information about them in forensic movies. This is the process of an autopsy. This article discusses what an autopsy is, who performs one, the types and how an autopsy is performed. 

Simply put, an autopsy is a thorough examination of a corpse performed by a pathologist. There are two types of autopsies, clinical and forensic. A clinical autopsy is performed for further studying the anatomy, while a forensic autopsy is performed to identify the cause, time and manner of death. However, autopsies are not performed after every death and can be used to clear any undetermined suspicions surrounding the death. Autopsies are generally performed within 24 hours of death to ensure that the body doesn’t show major effects of decomposition. They take anywhere between 2 and 4 hours to perform but the results may take up to 6 weeks. 

There are 6 main steps to performing an autopsy. Beginning with the y-incision, which is a cut made in the shape of a y from both shoulders to above the chest and all the way down to the end of the torso to view all major organs. Following this, the organs are removed, measured and weighed to identify whether the cause of death was due to abnormalities in size or shape of the organs. Analysis of the stomach content begins. This is when samples of stomach tissues and content are taken to determine what and when the victim had last eaten before the time of death. After this, blood, DNA, bile, ocular fluid, liver tissue, and urine samples are collected to identify any poisoning that has occurred.  A triangular incision on the head is performed to view contents of the head. Pathologists examine the brain and collect samples of brain tissues. Lastly, after all examinations are completed, all parts removed are placed correctly and the body is sewn up. The pathologist then reports all of their findings to the person in charge of the case. 

Despite the thorough examination and carefully planned procedure, incorrect information may still arise from inaccurate measurements or vague information of the body, however- the chance is low. 

As you now know, pathologists perform autopsies to determine the cause, time, and manner of death using a six step procedure. The process is time consuming and messy. Blood, organs and a dead body laying in front of you, waiting for you to dismantle it. Would you opt for this career to be yours one day?

Summary

An autopsy is an examination of the corpse performed by a pathologist. It helps determine the cause, time and manner of death, as well as helping clear any suspicions surrounding the death. The process consists of six steps: y-incision, removal of organs, analysis of stomach contents, collection of blood, DNA and various tissue samples, examination of contents in the head, and finally placing the organs back and sewing up the body.