L4 - Learning From The Dead

Question 1

Give two reasons why we conduct autopsies

Answer 1

To study the effects of disease processes/
Evidence for criminal proceedings /
Assess the impact of therapeutic interventions

Question 2

Give three type of autopsy

Answer 2

Medicolegal - on behalf of coroners
Forensic- subtype of coroners, done in suspicious deaths
Consent - consent needed from next of kin, may limit examination

Question 3

What part of the skull is most vulnerable to extraditable haemorrhage and why?

Answer 3

The pterion - weakest part of skull and overlies meninges vessels, damage can cause haemorrhage here

Question 4

What is the most common cause of a subarachnoid haemorrhage?

Answer 4

Aneurysm rupture

Explanation - aneurysm - a weak spot in a blood vessel where it bulges outwards in a balloon shape commonly result of high blood pressure

Question 5

Genetic testing can be used for elimination of suspects and also in testing for genetic diseases, toxicology can be used for a variety of things. Give some examples of types of sample used in toxicology

Answer 5

Blood/urine/vitreous/bile