Postmortem studies
Postmortem Studies
Postmortem studies (pronunciation: post-mor-tem stud-ies) are scientific investigations conducted after a person's death to determine the cause and manner of death, and to study disease processes. The term is derived from the Latin words "post" meaning "after" and "mortem" meaning "death".
History
The practice of postmortem studies, also known as autopsies, dates back to ancient times but became more widespread in the 19th century with the advancement of medical science.
Types of Postmortem Studies
There are two main types of postmortem studies:
- Clinical Autopsy: This is usually performed in hospitals by pathologists to determine the cause of death and to study the disease process.
- Forensic Autopsy: This is performed by forensic pathologists usually in cases of sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths.
Procedure
The procedure for postmortem studies involves several steps including external examination, internal examination, and histological examination.
- External Examination: The body is examined for any signs of disease or injury.
- Internal Examination: The internal organs are examined systematically for any abnormalities.
- Histological Examination: Tissue samples are examined under a microscope to identify any microscopic changes.
Importance
Postmortem studies are crucial in medical science as they help in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases, validating clinical diagnoses, and improving treatment strategies. They also play a vital role in forensic investigations and legal proceedings.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Postmortem studies
- Wikipedia's article - Postmortem studies
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