A step by step demonstration of an autopsy procedure. This requires the latest version of Macromedia Flash Player.
1. The pathologist records the results of the external examination and lists all physical characteristics. The body must be measured and weighed and placed on an autopsy table. An autopsy table is waist-high stainless steel with running to facilitate washing away all the blood that is released during the procedure. The autopsy table is a slanted tray (for drainage) with raised edges (to keep blood and fluids from flowing onto the floor).
2. The first cut known as the 'Y' incision is made. The arms of the Y extend from the front of each shoulder to the bottom end of the breastbone. The tail of the Y extends from the sternum to the pubic bone and typically deviates to avoid the navel. The incision is very deep, extending to the rib cage on the chest, and completely through the abdominal wall below that. The skin from this cut is peeled back, with the top flap pulled over the face.
3. The ribs are then sawn off and the sternal plate or anterior chest wall is cut away, to expose the organs underneath. The most common way to remove the organs is known as the Rokitansky method. Organs are removed by cutting off their connections to the body and are usually removed as one.
4. The brain is removed using a transverse incision (in a crosswise direction) through the brainstem, cutting the connection from the base of the brain to the spinal cord. The brain is then either cut fresh or is placed in a 20% solution of formalin to fix it for future analysis.
Fixing the brain
In cases like homicide or where there is a complex pathology of the brain, a detailed study of the brain may be necessary. In its fresh state the brain is very difficult to cut, so in order to make it easier for the neuropathologist to examine, the brain will be fixed in a solution of formalin for up to two weeks. Although two weeks is the optimal time to fix the brain, it can be sufficiently fixed in a shorter period in order to facilitate the return of the brain to the body prior to burial in selected cases.
Should the pathologist need to retain the whole brain it would typically be discussed with the relatives of the deceased first, prior to the release of the body for the funeral.
Once the study of the brain has been completed the brain would either be returned to the body, or in the case where the funeral has already taken place the pathologist will consult with the family to determine the most appropriate manner of disposing of the brain.
5. All removed organs are weighed and studied individually. Most organs are cut up in sections by a scalpel.
6. Intestines are drained in a sink to remove undigested food and faeces that remains.
7. The stomach is cut open on its greater curvature and the contents are examined.
8. Microscopic samples of most organs are taken for further analysis.
9. Finally, all major blood vessels are cut open and examined lengthwise.
10. The organs are placed back in the body, and the body will sometimes be filled with a filler material. The head and body are then sewn up. The brain is returned to the body, except in the cases where the brain has been retained for further tests.
11. Once the Y incision is sewn up, the autopsy (without brain and tissue analysis) is complete.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2010