This document discusses the process and objectives of a post-mortem or autopsy examination. It describes the external and internal examination of the body to determine the cause and manner of death. The external examination involves inspecting the body for injuries, marks, signs of death. The internal examination involves opening the cranial, thoracic and abdominal cavities and examining the organs and tissues for any abnormalities, injuries, or diseases. Samples may be taken for further analysis. The goal is to establish the identity of the deceased and determine if death was natural, accidental, suicidal or homicidal.

1. Dr. Avinash BhondweM.B.B.S. President I.M.A. Pune (2008-09)Post-Mortem Examination(Autopsy)

2. POST-MORTEM: DEFINITONPost-mortem (meaning after death) may refer to:In science:an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease.Post-mortem examination, or autopsy, an examination of a corpse in order to determine cause of death Postmortem studies, a neurobiological research method

3. Objectives of Autopsy : To find out the Cause of Death To ascertain whether death is Natural or Unnatural Whether death is Homicidal, Suicidal or Accidental To ascertain Time passed since death To establish the Identity of the bodyWhether still-birth or live-birth of newly born infant

4. Burns PMPM In ActionInfant PM

5. Modes of DeathAsphyxia(Respiratory Failure) Syncope(Circulatory Failure) Coma(Brain Death) Mortuary Post-Mortem

6. COMATOSE PATIENTHOSPTAL MORTURYBodies outside an Autopsy Room

7. Rules of Post-MortemWritten order from the Police OfficerDay time Place: In the Hospital Where the dead body lies Identity of the deceased to be established Three great cavities opened (Cranial, Thoracic and Abdominal)Writing post-mortem report on the spot

8. Contents of Post-Mortem ReportName of the deceased,Identification Place, date and time of post-mortem External Examination Internal Examination Viscera and Samples collected for analysis Opinion as to cause and manner of death

9. Instruments & Accessories for Autopsy

10. Instruments & Accessories for AutopsyScalpels, knives, scissors, bone-cutters,Chisels, hammer, Measuring tape, Balance, Glass bottles, vials Facility for X-Ray, Photographs & Video-graphyChemicals as preservatives, like Formalin 40%,Rectified spirit, Saturated solution of common salt

11. External Examination of Unknown Body for Identification Race, Sex, Age Tattoo marks Teeth Distribution of Hair Occupational Characteristics Body should be photographed Finger prints taken

12. External Examination to ascertain time passed since deathRectal Temperature Hypostasis Rigor Mortis Stage of PutrefactionOva of flies and maggots

13. Approximate times for algor and rigor mortis in temperate regions

14. Post mortem changes1. ALGOR MORTIS (BODY COOLING)2. RIGOR MORTIS3. LIVOR MORTIS (HYPOSTASIS, POST MORTEM LIVIDITY,POSTMORTEM SUGGILLATIONS)4. POST MORTEM DECOMPOSITION ( PUTREFACTION)5. ADIPOCERE6. MUMMIFICATION7. MACERATION

15. External Examination of ClothesStains of : Blood MudSaliva Semen Vomit Pieces of glass, Fibres, hair (Preserve for chemical analysis) Whether cuts, burns and holes correspond to injuries on the bodyExternal Examination of EyesSoftening of eye ball Opacity of cornea Opacity of lens

16. External Examination of Natural OrificesFor foreign bodies, injuries, discharges (blood/pus, froth) Take swabs for examinationNose Mouth Ears Anus Urethra Vagina

17. External ExaminationPresence of Teeth/Dentures

18. ChildhoodAdulthoodTeeth through the yearsExternal Examination to ascertain the agePrimary teeth sprout from milk buds and are temporary. Once they fall out, permanent teeth as seen on the other side appear. Permanent adult teeth come in when primary teeth fall out; they are permanent because they establish roots inside the gums. Third molar come in around the mid teenage years.Standard Teeth Development for Age Determination

19. Individual CharacteristicsSize of tooth

20. Shape of tooth

21. Shape of root

22. Placement of tooth

23. Quantity of teeth

24. Combinations of dental work done:

25. Crowns

26. Extractions

27. Bridge

28. Fillings

29. Root canals Various dental work

30. External Examinationof MarksCord, ligature mark Finger marks round the neckIts exact position,Manner Application of the knot

31. External Examination of Hands & other partsHands: For hair, cloth, mud, blood or weapon graspedScraping from under the nails takenGenitalia, breasts Condition of the body: Stout or Emaciated?

32. External Examination of InjuriesFrom head to foot& from front to back Injury: Situation (Position) Extent Nature (Contusion, Abrasion, Lacerated, Incised, Stabbed or Punctured) Dimension Condition of Edges Course and direction of bullet Direction of blood smear

33. External ExaminationTypes of InjuriesContusion Abrasion Laceration Incised Wound Punctured/Stabbed wound

34. ContusionAbrasionLacerationIncised woundIncised woundPunctured Wound

36. Type of the WeaponsHard & Blunt ObjectsSharp Objects

38. External Examinationof BurnsFirst Degree Second Degree Third Degree Cause of burns: Fire, Fluid, Corrosive, Explosive Percentage of Burns

39. First DegreeSecond DegreeCharred BodyThird Degree

43. Internal Examinationof HeadOrder of Exam: Head-Thorax Abdomen Head: Transverse sectionSkull bones for fracture Brain :for injury, effusion of blood,tumour

49. Internal Examination of ThoraxRibs Fracture

50. Sternum fracture Internal Examination of ThoraxPleural Cavities- for blood, fluidLungs- Collapsed, Full, Water

51. Internal Examinationof ThoraxPericardium Heart Chambers of HeartCoronary Arteries Aorta,

52. Internal Examinationof ThoraxLarynx, Trachea, Oesophagus

53. Internal Examination of AbdomenPeritoneum Abdominal Cavity Abdominal Organs Pelvic Cavity

54. Internal Examinationof AbdomenStomach Small and Large Intestine Liver, Gall bladder

55. Stomach (Contents, Smell, Degree of digestibility)

56. (Surface, Size, Weight)

57. (Examine Inner Surface) Internal Examination of AbdomenPancreas Spleen Kidneys For Necrosis

58. Size, Colour Weight,

59. Rupture, CalculiInternal Examinationof Male Pelvis BladderProstateTestes,

60. Internal ExaminationSpinal Cord

61. Internal Examination of Female Pelvis