Autopsy And Exhumation Flashcards
What is the definition of autopsy?
Postmortem examination of a dead body by dissecting it.
What are the three types of autopsies?
- Pathological autopsy
- Medicolegal autopsy
- Anatomical autopsy
What is a pathological autopsy?
Clinical autopsy done to determine the disease causing death, performed by a pathologist with consent of relatives.
What is a medicolegal autopsy?
Autopsy done in unnatural deaths to find out cause, manner, and time of death, conducted without consent of relatives after an inquest.
What is an anatomical autopsy?
Autopsy done to study the structure of the human body, performed by an anatomist on unclaimed bodies or donated bodies.
When is a medicolegal autopsy conducted?
In all types of unnatural deaths with a registered case in the police station after an inquest.
What is the ideal setting for conducting an autopsy?
In daylight or a daylight setting to appreciate color changes.
What temperature should a dead body be kept at for autopsy?
4°C.
What temperature is required to keep a body for long durations?
-20°C.
What is the primary objective of a medicolegal autopsy?
- To find out the cause of death
- To find out the manner of death
- To find out the time since death
- To establish identity when unknown
- To find out the manner of causation of injuries
- To collect relevant materials and tissues for evidence
- To determine live birth and viability in newborns.
What is the position of the forensic surgeon during a postmortem?
The forensic surgeon should stand on the right side of the body.
What type of incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy?
A midline incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy.
What is an I-shaped incision?
A midline incision extending from the chin straight down to the pubis avoiding the umbilicus.
What is a Y-shaped incision?
An incision from the xiphisternum to either side under the breast extending up to the acromion and from the xiphisternum a midline incision to the pubis.
What is a Modified Y-shaped incision?
An incision from the mastoid process to the suprasternal notch and from the suprasternal notch a midline incision downwards.
What is a T-shaped incision?
An incision from the suprasternal notch to the pubic symphysis with lateral limbs of ‘T’ to both shoulders.
What is a medicolegal autopsy?
An autopsy conducted in the context of legal investigation.
What type of cases require a medicolegal autopsy?
Cases under IPC.
Is an inquest required for a medicolegal autopsy?
Yes, an inquest is required.
Is the consent of relatives required for a medicolegal autopsy?
No, consent of relatives is not required.