READ: The Autopsy

Introduction

Introduction

An autopsy is a postmortem assessment or examination of a body to determine the cause of death. An autopsy is performed by a physician known as a medical examiner or pathologist who is trained in pathology. Autopsies are ordered when a person's death is unexplained, unexpected or suspicious. A medical examiner is trained to identify abnormalities in the body after death and can often determine important details about the cause or manner of death. Only about 10% of deaths are referred for autopsy and it is estimated that as many as 1/3 of all causes of death listed on death certificates are incorrect. Though they may not provide every detail needed in a death investigation, autopsies generally yield clues and leads in a case which make them an important component of Forensic investigations.

Georgia Virtual, Autopsy and the Role of the Medical Examiner, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0