A post-mortem examination, also known as an autopsy, involves a thorough examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death. The process includes both external and internal examinations.
External Examination
The external examination involves a visual inspection of the body, noting any obvious injuries, marks, or unusual features. Photographing the body is a standard procedure (as noted in the OJP report, https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/44094NCJRS.pdf emphasizing the importance of clear photographic documentation).
Internal Examination
The internal examination is more invasive. This includes opening the body, examining the internal organs, and taking tissue samples. The pathologist may make an incision down the front of the body (as described on the Royal College of Pathologists website, https://www.rcpath.org/discover-pathology/what-is-pathology/information-about-post-mortems-for-friends-and-relatives-/what-happens-during-a-post-mortem.html), though this is typically not visible once the body is dressed. Sometimes, organs are removed for more detailed analysis. The pathologist observes postmortem changes like rigor mortis (stiffening of the muscles) as detailed in the StatPearls article, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549867/.
Specific Findings
Post-mortem findings vary greatly depending on the circumstances of death. Examples of what might be seen include:
- Injuries: Bruises, cuts, fractures, gunshot wounds.
- Disease: Evidence of organ damage or infection.
- Toxicology: Presence of drugs or poisons.
- Microscopic findings: Cellular abnormalities detected through tissue samples.
The investigation may also uncover evidence related to the time since death. This is often aided by observing post-mortem changes in the body.
The information gathered during a post-mortem is crucial in determining the cause and manner of death and can be used for legal and medical purposes. As illustrated in the podcast "Last Seen", https://www.wbur.org/podcasts/lastseen, post-mortems can play a significant role in complex and high-profile investigations.
