The Autopsy Process
What is the purpose of an autopsy?
TO determine how and why a person died.
Define cause of death.
The specific injury or disease that directly caused death.
What is the main function of the skeletal system?
Provides structure, protection, and assists with movement.
What is algor mortis?
The cooling of the body after death.
When does decomposition usually begin?
About 36–48 hours after death.
Who typically performs an autopsy?
A medical examiner or coroner.
Define mechanism of death.
The physiological reason the body stopped functioning.
Which system is responsible for sending electrical signals through the body?
The nervous system.
At what rate does a body typically cool after death?
About 1.5°F per hour.
What is the first stage of the blowfly life cycle?
Egg.
What is the first incision made during an autopsy called?
A "Y" incision.
Define manner of death.
The category or circumstances of death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, undetermined).
Which system removes waste and maintains water balance?
The urinary system.
What is rigor mortis and when does it begin?
Muscle stiffening; begins 2–4 hours after death.
How can insects help estimate time of death?
By identifying their life stage, which develops on a known timeline.
Why are photographs taken during an autopsy?
To document injuries, decomposition, and features for identification.
Match the example: Gunshot wound → Exsanguination → Homicide
Cause → Mechanism → Manner
Which system includes the heart and blood vessels?
The cardiovascular system.
What is livor mortis and when is it fixed?
Pooling of blood after death; fixed after 8–12 hours.
List all stages of the blowfly life cycle in order.
Egg → 1st Instar → 2nd Instar → 3rd Instar → Pupa → Adult Fly.
Why is every body system examined, even if the cause of death seems obvious?
To ensure no other contributing factors or toxins affected the cause of death.
Give one example of a natural cause of death and one unnatural.
Natural: Stroke or heart attack; Unnatural: Drowning, poisoning, or gunshot.
Name three human body systems and give one function for each.
Example: Muscular (movement), Digestive (break down food), Respiratory (gas exchange).
Write the Glaister Equation used to estimate time of death.
Hours since death = (98.4 – body temp) / 1.5
What are “body farms” and why are they important to forensics?
Research sites where scientists study decomposition under different conditions.