What is postmortem?

Postmortem refers to the examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death. It is also known as an autopsy.

* Pathology is the study of diseases and their causes.

* Necropsy is a postmortem examination of an animal.

Postmortems are performed by pathologists, who are doctors who have specialized in diagnosing diseases and determining their causes. They may also be performed by forensic pathologists, who are doctors who specialize in the investigation of death.

Postmortems are important for a number of reasons. They can help to:

* Determine the cause of death.

* Identify any diseases that may have caused or contributed to the death.

* Rule out any other possible causes of death.

* Provide information about the person's medical history.

* Collect evidence for criminal investigations.

Postmortems are often performed on people who have died suddenly or unexpectedly, or on those who have died from an unknown cause. They may also be performed on people who have died from a serious illness, or on those who have requested an autopsy.

Postmortems are typically performed in a hospital or morgue. The body is examined externally, and then the internal organs are removed and examined. The pathologist may also take samples of tissue for further examination under a microscope.

The results of a postmortem are usually available within a few weeks. If the cause of death is not immediately obvious, the pathologist may order additional tests, which can take longer to complete.

Postmortems can be a difficult experience for family members and friends. However, they can also provide important information about the cause of death and the person's medical history. This information can help families to cope with their loss and make decisions about their future.