AUTOPSY TERMINOLOGY

 

An important tip – if you’re going to be writing the testimony of a pathologist, medical examiner, or a coroner, usually you can get access to their autopsy report beforehand.  If you’re the reporter, ask for it.

Glossary of Terms:

Accident - due to injury when there is no evidence of intent to harm.

Algor Mortis - Cooling of the body that follows death at about 1.5 degrees F.

Autopsy - known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy (particularly as to non-human bodies), autopsia cadaverum, or obduction — is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. It is usually performed by a specialized medical doctor called a pathologist.

Biological specimens - blood, sections of organs, vitreous, bile, and urine.

Cause of death - an injury or disease that ultimately leads to death of the individual, generally determined by medical examiners or coroners.

Chain of custody - a method of keeping track of who has handled a piece of evidence and when.

Chest Plate - Portion of the chest wall that is removed during an autopsy.

Coroner – an elected public official whose principal duty is to inquire into any death.

Death Certificate - Legal paper usually signed by doctor with name and cause of death.

Decomposition - the disintegration of body tissues after death; breakdown or decay of organic matter.

Evidence - any physical items such as bullets, hairs, fibers, biological fluids, etc., documents and statements that are included in a legal investigation for the jury’s or judge’s consideration in the determination of an individual’s guilt or innocence.

Forensic Autopsy - Authorized by a coroner and does not need family permission.

Forensic pathologist - A medical doctor who specializes in the sub-specialty of pathology that focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. The autopsy is performed by the pathologist usually during the investigation of criminal law cases and civil law cases in some jurisdictions.

Forensic Science - the application of all forms of science to aid legal investigations.

Formalin - a 37% solution of formaldehyde in water which is used as a fixative to preserve tissue.

Gross  - Visible without the aid of a microscope: macroscopic

Histology - Microscopic examination of tissue samples taken during the autopsy.

Homicide - due to a volitional act of another person.

Hypostasis - Settling of blood in the lower part of an organ or the body as a result of decreased or stopped blood flow.

Indigency - the lack of ability to pay as a legal reason for having certain required fees waived; being declared eligible for free services.

Infarction - Tissue death within an organ, caused by blockage of the blood flow and oxygen to that tissue.

Intermastoid Incision -  Incision made from behind each ear across the top of the head, which permits examination of the brain.

Livor Mortis - Hypostasis or pooling of the blood following death that causes a purplish-red discoloration of the skin.

Manner of death - is how the death came about. The manners are natural, homicide, suicide, accident, and undetermined.

Medical Autopsy - Conducted in a hospital for educational or explanation purposes. Family must say yes.

Medical examiner - is a medically qualified forensic pathologist and government official whose duty is to investigate deaths and injuries that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances, to perform post-mortem examinations, and in some jurisdictions to initiate inquests. Physician officially authorized to ascertain causes of death.

Morgue - Place in which the bodies of the deceased are kept until identified and claimed.

Natural - due entirely (or nearly so) to natural disease processes.

Next of Kin - Nearest relative: if married, the spouse, if no spouse then adult children, or surviving parents, or blood relative, unless otherwise specified in a legal document.

Pathologist - Doctor who is qualified in the study of anatomy and diseases and are in charge of performing autopsies.

Petechiae - Pinpoint hemorrhages that appear in epithelial surfaces caused by injury or disease.  Often found in strangulation or shaking.

Rigor Mortis - Hardening of muscle cells that begins shortly after death and causes board-like stiffness.

Rokitansky Method - Involves the removal of the body organs all at once.

Stryker Saw - Saw with vibrating blade that is used during autopsy that can cut through bone without damaging tissue.

Toe Tag - Piece of paper or plastic with patient's name or case number on it.

Suicide - the act or an instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally

Toxicology – postmortem (after death) toxicology analyzes biological specimens collected at autopsy for the presence of drugs, toxins, and poisons to help determine cause and manner of death.  Study of the nature, effects, and detection of chemicals (poisons or drugs) in organisms.

Undetermined - inadequate information regarding the circumstances of death to determine manner.

Virchow Method - Autopsy in which each organ is removed from the body separately.

Vitreous Humor - Liquid portion of the eye often used to analyze the chemical components of the body.

Y-Incision - Made from the chest to the abdomen