Another kind of dissection is known as an autopsy or post mortem examination. An autopsy is a specialised anatomical examination undertaken by a pathologist to identify a cause of death for medical and legal purposes, and/or to provide feedback to clinical teams concerning issues such as the accuracy of diagnosis and the effects of treatment. It usually involves the removal and examination of the major body organs which are later replaced within the body cavities and the body reconstructed for burial or cremation. The vast majority of autopsies confirm that death occurred as a result of ‘natural causes’. Some autopsies identify accidents, industrial diseases or suicide as the cause of death. Only a small minority of autopsies involve ‘suspicious’ deaths, where there is a question of foul play or murder. These are carried out by specialised forensic pathologists.

The study of anatomy lays bare the human fabric. It’s only once we understand how we are made that we can begin to think meaningfully about how we work and what goes wrong in disease.


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