Name: Andres Bohorquez

Course: 2 BGU E
Date: 22-02-17

Investigation
What is the purpose of performing an autopsy?
An autopsy (also known as a post-mortem examination or necropsy) is the examination of the
body of a dead person and is performed primarily to determine the cause of death, to identify or
characterize the extent of disease states that the person may have had, or to determine whether a
particular medical or surgical treatment has been effective. Autopsies are performed by
pathologists, medical doctors who have received specialty training in the diagnosis of diseases by
the examination of body fluids and tissues. In academic institutions, autopsies sometimes are
also requested for teaching and research purposes. Forensic autopsies have legal implications and
are performed to determine if death was an accident, homicide, suicide, or a natural event. The
word autopsy is derived from the Greek word autopsia: "to see with one's own eyes."

The extent of an autopsy can vary from the examination of a single organ such as the heart or
brain, to a very extensive examination. Examination of the chest, abdomen, and brain is probably
considered by most pathologists as the standard scope of the autopsy.

The autopsy begins with a complete external examination. The weight and height of the body are
recorded, and identifying marks such as scars and tattoos also are recorded.

Who determines whether an autopsy is performed?

The decision to do a postmortem examination of human remains often involves tension among
several competing interests: the goals of the physician (medicolegal, scientific, educational, or
clinical), the wishes of surviving friends and family (informed by prevailing religious and
societal norms), and the interests of society (as articulated by the law). All 3 will factor into each
autopsy request. All 3 will contribute to the climate within which the request is made.
Family members may ask for an autopsy to be done after a loved one has died. This is called a
requested autopsy. Sometimes an autopsy is required by law. This is called a required autopsy.

For what reasons can an autopsy be requested?

An autopsy is a thorough medical exam of a body after death. It may be done to learn about a
disease or injury. Or it may be done to find out how or why a person has died.

An autopsy is done by a doctor called a pathologist. This type of doctor is an expert in examining
body tissues and fluids.

The purpose of the autopsy is to answer questions about the person's illness or the cause of death.
In addition, autopsies provide valuable information that helps doctors save the lives of others.
Autopsies are performed by specially trained doctors called pathologists.

What are the steps to follow in an autopsy?

First, the pathologist examines the body to find clues about the cause of death. He then examines
the internal organs by taking samples as needed to see under the microscope. The autopsy takes
between two (2) and four (4) hours.

A final report may take many weeks by detailed studies that are performed on tissue samples.