Autopsy
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An Autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. It is usually performed by a specialized medical doctor called a pathologist.
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Purpose[edit | edit source]
The primary purposes of an autopsy are as follows:
- Determination of Cause of Death: The most apparent reason for performing an autopsy is to ascertain the cause of death.
- Medical Research and Education: Autopsies are often used in medical teaching and research to understand disease progression and effects.
- Public Health: Autopsies also contribute to the statistical data on disease prevalence and mortality rates, assisting in the formulation of public health policies.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The autopsy procedure consists of several steps:
- External Examination: The first step in the autopsy process is a thorough external examination.
- Internal Examination: After the external examination, the pathologist proceeds with an internal examination.
- Histologic Examination: If necessary, following the gross examination, organs might be further investigated at a microscopic level.
Types of Autopsy[edit | edit source]
There are three main types of autopsies:
- Forensic or Medicolegal Autopsy: This is performed when the cause of death may be a criminal matter.
- Clinical or Pathological Autopsy: These are performed to diagnose a particular disease or for research purposes.
- Anatomical or Academic Autopsy: These autopsies are performed by students of anatomy for learning and discovering the finer details of human anatomy.
Ethical and Legal Considerations[edit | edit source]
In most jurisdictions, a physician cannot perform an autopsy without the consent of the next of kin. In cases of sudden, unexplained death or when foul play is suspected, a medical examiner or coroner can order an autopsy without the consent of the next of kin.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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