AutopsyAutopsy >» autopsy, also called necropsy, postmortem, or postmortem examination, dissection and examination of a dead body and its organs and structures. An autopsy may be performed to determine the cause of death » The word autopsy is derived from the Greek autopsia, meaning “the act of seeing for oneself.” » Forensic autopsies, which are required to investigate deaths resulting from violence or suspicious circumstances, are usually performed by a government coroner or medical examiner.History of autopsy » The Greeks and the Indians cremated their dead without examination; the Romans, Chinese, and Muslims all had taboos about opening the body; and human dissections were not permitted during the Middle Ages. The first real dissections for the study of disease were carried out about 300 BCE by the Alexandrian physicians Herophilus The first forensic or legal autopsy, wherein the death was investigated to determine presence of “fault,” is said to have been one requested by a magistrate in Bologna in 1302.Autopsy procedures At the beginning of an autopsy, the exterior of the body is examined. Notes and photographs may be taken to document any important findings, The body may be x-rayed or scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for problems like fractures or tumors. The doctor will then make incisions (cuts) in the body in order to remove and examine the internal organs. In some cases, the brain may be removed and examined. Small pieces of tissue may be collected for examination under a microscope to determine if there is any disease. Body fluids may be tested for the presence of any poisonous or harmful substances, a procedure known as toxicology.Autopsy permissions » When the cause of death is unknown, or if foul play is suspected in causing an individual's death, an autopsy may be required. Autopsies performed for these legal reasons do not require the consent of the family. When performed for medical reasons, Autopsies require permission from family members or a legal guardian. It is important to know that performance of an autopsy need not affect timing of the funeral. The incisions made during an autopsy are not visible to family members who view the body later.Value of autopsies » Autopsies are the best way to determine the cause of death and can provide valuable information on why a person died. Information gathered during an autopsy can also help physicians better recognize disease in other patients. » Because of this, autopsies are regarded as an important educational resource for doctors to learn about the most serious diseases—those that cause death.Why have an Autopsy done » Saving Lives: Autopsies can enhance our understanding of diseases and how we die, and contribute critical medical knowledge. Forensic pathologists have identified public health emergencies. » Discovering Hereditary Illness: Autopsies can help family members learn whether a relative died from an undiagnosed or misdiagnosed illness or disease that may be hereditary. » Easing the Stress of the Unknown: Autopsies can also be an important way for families and loved ones to seek reassurance or peace of mind after deathLegally Defined manners of Death » Natural- Heart attack, complications from an infection, blood clot, pneumonia » Accidental- Falling, Fire, Car wreck, extreme heat or cold » Homicide- person killing another person » Suicide- intentionally causing your own death » Undetermined- unable to conclude how a person dieWhat are the Types of Post-mortem examination / Autopsy examination Autopsies fall into three categories: » Medico-Legal Autopsy or Forensicorcoroner's autopsies » Clinical or Pathological autopsies » Academic autopsiesMedico-Legal » Medico-Legal Autopsy or Forensic or Coroner's autopsies are performed to identify the cause and manner of death and to identify the deceased. They are generally executed, as dictated by applicable law, in cases of violent, suspicious or sudden deaths, deaths without medical assistance or during surgical procedures. It is performed by a Police SurgeonClinical or Pathological autopsies » Clinical or Pathological autopsies are executed to diagnose a particular disease or for research purposes. They shed light into the pathological processes that lead to death of the person. Clinical autopsies are sometimes performed to assess the standard of care of hospitals. It is done by a pathologist.Academic autopsies » academic autopsies are performed by students of anatomy for study purpose. This is usually possible when a person has given permission in advance of their death.Who Conducts the Autopsy ? Autopsies are performed by physicians trained in pathology, the medical specialty that deals with the study of disease through the evaluation of tissues and body fluids.