What Happens to the Body During an Autopsy

Introduction

Purpose of Lecture: To explain the process of an autopsy and what happens to the body post-mortem.
Warning: Content may be graphic for sensitive viewers.

Autopsy: A medical examination to determine the cause of death.
Types:
- Forensic Autopsy: Used for legal purposes, often as evidence in criminal or civil cases.
- Clinical Autopsy: Conducted for research, medical training, or at the family's request.

Forensic Pathologists: Trained physicians who perform autopsies.
Coroners: Elected officials, not necessarily medically trained, can be anyone, but assisted by medical examiners.

Information Gathering:
- Collect data on the deceased, circumstances of death, and medical history.
External Examination:
- Photographing, noting clothing and position, collecting hair, fingernails, and foreign objects.
- Identification and basic characteristics (ethnicity, gender, age, etc.).
- Cleaning, weighing, and measuring the body.
Internal Examination:
- Placement of a rubber body block to aid in incision.
- Chest Examination:
  - Y-shaped incision to open the chest.
  - Removal of skin, muscle, and ribcage.
  - Extraction and examination of larynx, esophagus, arteries, and organs.
- Organs examined, weighed, and samples taken.
- Head Examination:
  - Incision from ear to ear, skullcap removal with an electric saw.
  - Brain examination.
Post Examination:
- Organs either returned to the body or incinerated.
- Sewing up the body with a baseball stitch.