Autopsy (cont.)
How is an autopsy performed?
The extent of an autopsy can vary from the examination of a single organ such
as the heart or brain, to a very extensive examination. Examination of the
chest, abdomen, and brain is probably considered by most pathologists as the
standard autopsy, and one technique is briefly described below.
The autopsy begins with a complete external examination. The weight and
height of the body are recorded, and identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
also are recorded.
The internal examination begins with the creation of a Y or U- shaped
incision from both shoulders joining over the sternum and continuing
down to the pubic bone. The skin and underlying tissues are then separated to
expose the rib
cage and abdominal cavity. The front of the rib cage is removed to expose the neck and chest organs. This opening allows the trachea (windpipe),
thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, esophagus, heart, thoracic aorta and lungs to be
removed. Following removal of the neck and chest organs, the abdominal organs are
cut (dissected) free. These include the intestines, liver, gallbladder and
bile duct system, pancreas, spleen, adrenal glands,
kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, abdominal aorta, and reproductive organs.
To remove the brain, an incision is made in the back of
the skull from one ear to the other. The scalp is cut and separated from the
underlying skull and pulled forward. The top of the skull is removed using a
vibrating saw. The entire brain is then gently lifted out of the cranial vault. The spinal cord may
also be taken by removing the anterior or posterior portion of the spinal
column.
The organs are first examined by the pathologist to note any
changes visible with the naked eye. Examples of diseases that may produce changes readily
recognizable in the organs include atherosclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver , and
coronary artery disease in the heart.
After the organs are removed from the body, they usually are separated from
each other and further dissected to reveal any abnormalities, such as tumors, on
the inside. Small samples are typically taken from all organs to be made into
slide preparations for examination under a microscope. At the end of an autopsy,
the incisions made in the body are sewn closed. The organs may be returned to
the body or may be retained for teaching, research, and diagnostic purposes.
Performance of an autopsy does not interfere with an open casket funeral
service, as none of the incisions made in order to accomplish the autopsy are
apparent after embalming and dressing of the body by the mortician.
Next: What other special studies may be done as part of the autopsy? »
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