When a person dies of unknown causes, modern forensic pathologists might conduct a complete or partial autopsy. In some situations, they might use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT scan) to help them see deep into the body.
Although imaging technology is new for forensic pathologists, the process of conducting an autopsy to understand how a person died is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years.
What Is an Autopsy?
An autopsy is an internal and external examination conducted on a corpse to determine the cause of death. Autopsies can help establish how a person died and whether the cause was natural or if the person died by homicide or suicide.
A forensic pathologist typically determines whether an autopsy is needed. A person who dies in hospice from cancer, for example, will likely not need an autopsy because their medical history and cause of death are well-known. This type of autopsy is known as a clinical or hospital-based autopsy. However, a person who is found dead in a forest preserve will likely undergo an autopsy because of the suspicious circumstances. This is known as a forensic autopsy.
