Pre-Assessment: Autopsy Basics

What is the primary purpose of an autopsy in forensic investigations?

• To determine the cause of death

• To preserve the body for burial

• To diagnose diseases

• To perform surgical procedures

Which of the following is typically the first step in an autopsy procedure?

• Examination of the internal organs

• External examination of the body

• Collection of toxicology samples

• Weighing the organs

What tool is commonly used to open the chest cavity during an autopsy?

• Scalpel

• Bone saw

• Forceps

• Microscope

Which professional is primarily responsible for conducting an autopsy?

• Forensic psychologist

• Forensic pathologist

• Crime scene investigator

• Coroner

What is rigor mortis?

• The cooling of the body after death

• The stiffening of muscles after death

• The decomposition of the body

• The discoloration of the skin after death

Which of the following is NOT typically examined during an autopsy?

• Internal organs

• Hair samples

• Bone density

• Skin condition

What is the term for the study of insects to estimate the time of death?

• Entomology

• Pathology

• Toxicology

• Anthropology

Which of the following is a common reason for performing a forensic autopsy?

• Natural death

• Suspicious or unexplained death

• Death from old age

• Death in a hospital

What is the term for the discoloration of the skin due to the settling of blood after death?

• Rigor mortis

• Livor mortis

• Algor mortis

• Decomposition

Which organ is typically examined last during an autopsy?

• Heart

• Brain

• Liver

• Lungs