After death, a sequence of changes naturally occurs in the human body. Although these changes proceed in a relatively orderly fashion, a variety of external factors and intrinsic characteristics may accelerate or retard decomposition. Understanding common postmortem changes and the variables that affect them allows the forensic pathologist to more accurately estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) and to provide a time frame during which death occurred. Further, an awareness of common postmortem artifacts limits the risk of misdiagnosis at the time of autopsy.
Death and the changes that follow have been ingrained in society since the dawn of history. Ancient Egyptians took extraordinary measures to slow decomposition, with some good results. Later societies recognized the need to sequester the dead from the living to contain the spread of disease. In modern times, bereaved families must choose between cremation and embalmment for their dearly departed. Death is a part of life, and decomposition is a part of death.
Hospital post-mortems may be limited to particular areas of the body, such as the head, chest or abdomen. When you’re asked to give your consent, this will be discussed with you. During the post-mortem, only the organs or tissue you have agreed to can be removed for examinatio
All organs normally have small samples of both normal and aberrant tissue taken, which are then prepared as slides for microscopic inspection. Once an autopsy is complete, the body’s wounds are sewn shut.
Before the incision is closed, the organs may be removed and returned to the body, or they may be kept for diagnostic, educational, and scientific purposes. When granting permission for an autopsy to be conducted, you are free to inquire about this. Most of the time, if desired, the deceased’s family members can also specify that the organs be returned to the body for interment……..See More
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