Autopsy
*
Definition
An autopsy is a surgical procedure to examine the body and its internal organs after death.
*
Reasons for Procedure
An autopsy is not done after every death. An autopsy may be done at the request of the family or doctor. Reasons for autopsy include:
- To answer questions about the health (prior to death) of the deceased
- To determine the exact cause of death
- To resolve legal or medical concerns
*
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Before an autopsy, there must be positive identification of the body. An autopsy permit must be signed by the legal next-of-kin. The body is transported to the morgue and held in a refrigeration unit until the autopsy.
Description of the Procedure
Autopsies follow this general procedure:
- External examination—The body is measured. Any abnormality of the body surface is recorded.
-
Opening the body:
- A Y-shaped cut is made in the skin. It starts at the front of each shoulder and goes around the navel and down to the pubic bone. The skin, muscle, and soft tissues are separated from the chest wall.
- Each side of the rib cage is cut with an electric saw to provide access to the heart and lungs.
- The abdominal muscle is removed to expose the abdominal organs.
Major Organs—MaleCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
- Organ removal—Using special techniques, the organs are cut and removed from the body. All organs (heart, lungs, liver, intestines, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and pelvic organs) and the major arteries are examined individually. They are weighed, washed, and dissected as necessary. Some tissue samples may be removed for further lab examination.
- Brai