Autopsies In what cases is an autopsy required

Autopsies

In what cases is an autopsy required? �An § § § Autopsy is required when there is Injury Delayed complications of injuries Poisoning Infectious complications Foul play People who die with no attending physician

Who performs the autopsy? The Medical Examiner!

• • • Body Measured and weighed Look for Rigor Mortis Look at clothes paying attentions to any unusual smells of odors Look for Lividity (blood pooling) to help determine time of death Check under Finger nails for evidence Extract vitreous fluid from eye and give to Toxicologist Step 1. External Examination

Step 2: Viewing Internal Organs • • • Make ‘Y’ incision to expose internal organs Saw off ribs to expose internal organs Sternal plate or interior chest wall is cut away to expose the organs underneath

�Examine internal organs without removing them from the body Step 3: Internal Examination

• • Remove all organs form the thoracic (chest) cavity and abdominal (belly) cavity Dissect each organ Step 4: Remove Internal Organs

Step 5: Remove the Brain • • • Using a vibrating saw remove top of cranium Remove brain Cut it fresh or fix it in formalin for future

� Weighed one at a time except intestines and stomach � Drain intestines in a sink to remove any indigested food and feces � Cut open stomach and contents are examined Step 6: Weigh each of the organs

Step 7: Organs are replace in the body and filled with filler material if needed.

�Continue onto brain tissue analysis Step 8: Stitch the Y incision back up.