The autopsy is dissecting a corpse to determine the cause of death. The three types are the medical autopsy, the forensic autopsy and autopsy for learning.
Besides trying to establish or confirm the main cause of the death, the medical autopsy can often discover other diseases, not identified in the lifetime of the individual. The autopsy report helps to understand the evolution of disease and to assess the appropriateness of treatment. The medical autopsy contributes to the advancement of medical science.
The forensic autopsy, performed by a forensic doctor, comes at the request of justice in the case of a violent or suspicious death. The review will often determine the shape of an object that caused the death. If this is a shooting death, the autopsy can determine the distance between the gun and the victim and the bullet's path, important information for further investigation. Samples are examined in the laboratory in search of poisoning and rape. All body parts are carefully examined.
The medical examiner starts by the scrutiny of the outside of the body to uncover possible injuries (cuts, bruises ...), it lingers orifices (ears, nose ...). The autopsy continues through incisions allowing the examination of skin, brain and internal organs.
Autopsy allows medical students to learn human anatomy.
In several countries, autopsy, other than forensic, can not be undertaken without the consent of the family.
13 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |