Pathological examination of the dead, also known as autopsy or postmortem examination, is a comprehensive scientific procedure carried out by a qualified pathologist to investigate the cause of death and gain insight into the underlying disease process or injury that led to an individual’s demise. This procedure involves a meticulous external and internal examination of the deceased body.
During a pathological examination, the pathologist carefully inspects the body externally, noting any visible injuries, marks, or discoloration. The examination then proceeds to internal inspection, where the body is dissected systematically to examine the organs, tissues, and structures within. The pathologist may take samples for further analysis, such as blood, body fluids, or tissue specimens, to conduct additional laboratory tests and gather additional information.
Through a pathological examination, various factors can be determined, including the cause of death, contributing or underlying diseases, injuries, infections, or any abnormalities present in the body. It helps in establishing a more accurate and complete understanding of the deceased individual's medical history and facilitates the evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
Pathological examinations of the dead are not only crucial for determining the cause of death in individual cases but also contribute to medical research, forensic investigations, public health surveillance, and clinical quality control. These examinations play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, improving patient care, recognizing emerging health trends, and helping with legal inquiries, particularly in cases of suspicious deaths or medical malpractice.
