Autopsy (postmortem examination) is the scientific examination of a dead body to determine:
- Cause of death
- Manner of death
- Time since death
- Identification of the deceased
- Presence of disease or injury
Types of Autopsy
1. Medicolegal (Forensic) Autopsy
Purpose: Determine cause and manner of death; conducted under legal authority.
Features:
- Complete examination of the body.
- External and internal examination is mandatory.
- Consent of relatives is NOT required.
2. Clinical (Pathological / Hospital) Autopsy
Purpose: Study the disease process, confirm diagnosis, academic and research purposes.