30 August 2006

Paper I (3 hours)

Discuss the features of the human skull for the purpose of identification, as to gender, age and race. [15]

A newborn baby, still with attached umbilical cord and placenta, was found in a municipal dustbin covered by newspapers. Describe your approach to the medicolegal investigation of this case and the medico-legal implications. [15]

Write short notes on a) b) Your approach at the gravesite to an exhumation in a case of suspected poisoning. (10) Blunt abdominal injuries caused by seat belts. (5) [15]

Briefly discuss a) b) The phenomenon of temporary cavitations with reference to both high and low velocity gunshot wounds. (6) The features seen in the brain at autopsy, which may indicate raised intracranial pressure. (9) [15]

Briefly discuss the medico-legal and diagnostic problems that may confront the forensic pathologist, in confirming the following at autopsy a) b) c) Blood transfusion related death. Death due to lightning. The role of trauma in deaths due to rupture of a berry aneurysm. (5) (5) (5) [15]

Discuss your approach and post mortem examination in a scuba diving related death. [25]

31 August 2006
Paper II hours) (3

Discuss the medicolegal investigative approach to a fatal light aircraft accident and discuss the possible autopsy findings in the pilot. [25]

Briefly outline the laws pertaining to all autopsies and the donation of organs. [15]

Discuss the methods available for determining the time of death and comment on their relative merits. [15]

As a specialist Forensic Pathologist, you are asked to manage a satellite mortuary. What Occupational Health and Safety measures would you implement in the dissecting room to ensure the safety of your staff? [15]

Discuss the possible injuries sustained in the case of a person killed as a result of the explosion of a bomb. [10]

Write short notes on 4 (four) of the following a) b) c) d) e) The advantages of vitreous humour analysis in decomposing bodies. Catecholamine cardiotoxicity. Postmortem examination findings associated with heatstroke. The value of forensic entomology. Paraffin ingestion. (5) (5) (5) (5) (5) [20]