THE Autopsy

Autopsy means – “see for yourself” Surgical operation on a dead body Purpose is to learn the truth about how the person died and their health during life A Pathologist is a physician who’s specialty is in the scientific study of body parts

AUTOPSIES Can be ordered in every state when there is suspicion of foul play Can be ordered when there is concern for public health Family can ask for an autopsy from the hospital – service is FREE

Procedure: Procedure is done with respect and seriousness First examine the outside of the body Then use a scalpel to open the body using a Y-shaped incision from shoulders to mid-chest and down to the pubic region

Procedure: To examine the head a second incision is made across the head and down below and behind the ears The scalp and soft tissue in the front chest are reflected back to examine for abnormalities A saw is used to open the skull and ribs and breastbone

Procedure: In the abdomen the large intestines are freed up The brain is cut free from attachments Inspection of the chest organs are done

Procedure: Fluids- blood, urine, bile or eye fluid can be sent for chemical study to a microbiology lab All organs are then individually weighed and inspected A section from each organ is saved and placed in preservation solution

Procedure: All major solid organs are weighed on a scale All organs after examination are returned or cremated depending on the law or family wishes The body is then sewn back up using a baseball stitch

Procedure: The body is washed and ready to go All tissue samples will go to the histology lab and final conclusions can be drawn A final report is ready in a month