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An autopsy, sometimes called a postmortem (after death) examination, is a thorough physical examination of the body after death to determine the cause of death and the presence of any other diseases. Autopsies are performed by physicians trained in pathology, the medical specialty that deals with the study of disease through the evaluation of tissues and body fluids. Forensic autopsies, which are required to investigate deaths resulting from violence or suspicious circumstances, are usually performed by a government coroner or medical examiner. The June 4, 2003, issue of JAMA includes an article about uncovering missed or incorrect diagnoses through autopsies.

AUTOPSY PROCEDURES

At the beginning of an autopsy, the exterior of the body is examined. Notes and photographs may be taken to document any important findings. The body may be x-rayed or scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for problems like fractures or tumors. The doctor will . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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