Autopsy

An autopsy (also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy or obduction) is a medical procedure that consists of a thorough examination performed on a corpse after death, to evaluate disease or injury that may be present and to determine the cause and manner of a person's death.

General information

The term "autopsy" derives from the Greek for "to see for oneself". "Necropsy" is from the Greek for "seeing a dead body".

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There are two types of autopsies:

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• Forensic: This is done for medical-legal purposes and is the one that is normally seen on television or in the news.
• Clinical: This is usually performed in hospitals to determine a cause of death for research and study purposes.