Virtual Autopsy - Overview and Procedures

Introduction to Virtual Autopsy

• An autopsy is a detailed medical examination after death to determine the cause of death.
• The virtual autopsy process includes:
  • External Examination
  • Internal Examination
  • Viewing Internal Organs
  • Removal of Organs
  • Removal of the Brain
  • Examining the Organs
  • Returning Organs to the Body
  • Sewing up the Body

Step 1: External Examination

• Conducted by a forensic pathologist.
• Detailed examination of body's external features.
• Measurements and weights recorded.
• Examination focuses on:
  • Chest (for clothing or odor)
  • Shoulders (for bruises or marks)
  • Elbows (testing for rigor mortis)
  • Fingers (checking under nails for evidence)
  • Legs (checking for lividity)

Step 2: Internal Examination

• The body is opened using the 'Y' incision:
  • Arms of Y from shoulders to breastbone
  • Tail of Y from sternum to pubic bone
• This incision exposes internal organs.

Step 3: Viewing Internal Organs

• Ribs are sawn off to expose organs.
• Organs exposed include:
  • Lungs
  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Stomach
  • Large and Small Intestine

Step 4: Removal of the Organs

• The Rokitansky method is commonly used:
  • All organs are removed as one block
  • Dissected individually on the autopsy table
  • Tissue samples collected for microscopic examination

Step 5: Removing the Brain

• Incision from ear to ear on the scalp.
• Skull cap removed with saw.
• Brain is either cut fresh or preserved for analysis.

Step 6: Examining the Organs

• All organs except intestines and stomach are weighed.
• Stomach contents examined to help determine time and cause of death.

Step 7: Returning Organs to the Body

• Organs returned to body after examination.
• Tissue samples retained; family may be notified regarding retained tissues.

Step 8: Sewing up the Body

• Post mortem technician sews up the body.
• Uses a baseball-like stitch.

Additional Information

• The virtual autopsy is best viewed on larger screens using Chrome.
• Warning: Detailed information in the interactive may be disturbing to some.

Resources

• Learn more about autopsy and related topics:
  • Death: The Last Taboo
  • Decomposition and insect life cycles
  • Fossil sites in Australia

Acknowledgements

• Respect and acknowledgment to the Gadigal people, traditional custodians of the museum land.

Visiting the Australian Museum

• Located at 1 William Street, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia.
• Open daily 10am - 5pm and Wednesdays until 9pm.
• Free General Entry, closed on Christmas Day.