The terms "autopsy" and "postmortem" are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle distinction. Postmortem is a general term referring to anything that happens after death. Autopsy, on the other hand, is a specific type of postmortem examination—a medical procedure performed to determine the cause of death.
Postmortem: A Broader Term
The word "postmortem" literally translates to "after death." It encompasses a wide range of activities and events that occur following someone's death. These can include:
- Legal procedures: Filing death certificates, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
- Funeral arrangements: Embalming, cremation, burial.
- Medical procedures: This includes, but is not limited to, autopsies.
- Scientific research: Studying the body for medical advancements.
Autopsy: A Specific Medical Procedure
An autopsy, also called a post-mortem examination, is a medical procedure conducted by a pathologist. As stated in the provided reference: "A post-mortem examination (also called an autopsy) is a medical examination of a dead body to determine the exact cause of death." The pathologist meticulously examines the body's internal organs and tissues to identify the cause and manner of death. This might involve:
- Internal organ examination: Assessing for injuries, diseases, or abnormalities.
- Tissue sampling: Taking samples for microscopic analysis.
- Toxicological testing: Checking for the presence of drugs or poisons.
In essence, an autopsy is a subset of postmortem activities, specifically focusing on the medical determination of the cause of death.
