1.2.1 Flashcards
Postmortem
After death, mortem means death.
Morgue
A place where the bodies of dead persons are kept temporarily.
Autopsy
A systematic examination of the entire body following death. It may be completed when death is suspicious, unexpected, there is a public health concern, or upon family request.
What takes place/is used during an autopsy (Not in order)?
Examination of the Brain
External Examination
Stomach Contents
Identification
Sample Collection
Documentation
Tools
Internal Examination
Examination of the Brain
Checked for signs of injury, then removed, weighted and examined.
External Examination
Description of the body is recorded, it is measured and weighted, injuries are noted.
Stomach Contents
Contents are examined, the identity and degree of food digestion or other items is determined. Used to find cause/time of death.
Identification
IDs are noted, so are identifying marks. (tattoos, birthmarks)
Sample Collection
Blood, urine, and tissue samples are collected and sent for testing.
Documentation
Document injury, features, and state of decomposition with photographs.
Tools
Saws, scissors, needles, and other tools are used for internal examination and closing the body.
Internal Examination
The “Y” incision goes from the shoulders to the center of the chest, through the center of the body. Organs are examined then removed to be examined and weighted.
Gross Examination (Grossing)
Inspecting tissues/organs and describing what is seen.
Cause of Death
The specific injury, trauma, or disease that directly caused the victim’s death.
Mechanism of Death
What happens physiological (inside the body) to result in death.
