Pathology and Autopsy Lab

Pathology and Autopsy

HASPI Medical Anatomy & Physiology 02b

Background:

Pathology

Pathology is the study of disease.  This is a very broad field with many specializations that examine cells, tissues, organs, fluids, and organ systems to diagnose the cause of disease.  Clinical pathology tends to focus on what is occurring at the cellular and tissue levels, while anatomical pathology focuses on the entire organ or organ system.  A pathologist is a board-certified physician and may work in a clinical setting or in a morgue performing autopsies.

The field of pathology that focuses on investigating cause of death is called forensic pathology.  A forensic pathologist may be better known as a coroner or medical examiner, and must be well informed in both medicine and law.  A forensic pathologist is responsible for:

• Determining the mechanism of death – what did the person physiologically die from
• Determining the manner of death – what event caused the death?
• Trace evidence – collect any evidence or details that may help in an investigation

• Identifying wounds and injuries – document all wounds and identifying features
• Taking and examining tissue and fluid samples
• Serving as an expert witness in court

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Autopsy

The examination of a corpse by a pathologist to determine cause of death is called an autopsy.  An autopsy is an organized surgical procedure that involves a thorough exam of the body organs, injuries, and fluids.  An autopsy may be performed for medical or legal reasons.  A medical autopsy may be performed when the cause of death is sudden or unknown.  A legal autopsy may be performed when the cause of death is suspicious.  The following video activity will detail the usefulness of autopsy in the legal field. 

Part A. Autopsy: Confessions of a Medical Examiner (60 min)

Watch the video and answer the following questions.

Autopsy 1: Confessions of a Medical Examiner