The Ins and Outs of an Autopsy III

During an autopsy, certain foreign objects found in the body can tell a lot about the way a person died. One of the most glaring pieces of evidence that a coroner will look for during an autopsy is a bullet wound. In this article, you will learn some of the final steps that go into completing an autopsy.

When a gun is involved in the death of a corpse, the coroner will record any findings pertaining to any and all bullet wounds. The number of wounds caused by a bullet is recorded. They will try to indicate the direction of all the bullets before it entered the body. They will estimate this measurement by taking a look at the configuration of the bullet entrance wounds. Sometimes, they can pinpoint the distance at which the gun was fired from the victim. Bullets are removed from the body and sealed in a plastic bag. The bullets are then sent to a ballistics laboratory, and whatever they learn there is added to the autopsy report.

A deep incision is also made into the skin of the scalp, which starts behind one ear and continues over the top of the head. The cut ends behind the opposite ear. The coroner will then hold tight the scalp and pull the skin forward over the face. The result is the bony part of the skull being exposed. An electric saw is then used to create a wedge-shaped portion of the skull that is removed. This will expose the brain, which is then removed, weighed, and analyzed.

The brain is the last part of the autopsy. After this step, the coroner will return all of the internal organs that have been removed to their proper locations.

If the corpse was involved in a crime, the legal authorities will receive the findings of the autopsy, which will include a final opinion on how the body died. The information will also include any reports and photographs that were taken during the autopsy. If a case is brought before the court, the autopsy is used as evidence. The folder that contains all of the detailed information of the autopsy will become a case file.

An autopsy is complete when a coroner makes a final assessment on the cause of death, which is followed by the issuing of a death certificate. The body is then transferred to the funeral director of the family’s choosing, where it is then prepared for burial, cremation or donation of body parts.

Famous Autopsies

Over the years, there have been several famous and historic autopsies that have hit the headlines and piqued the interest of the general public, such as Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, and Marilyn Monroe. Leaked photos into the mainstream have also stirred conspiracy theories and other notions. From the bullet-riddled body of rapper Tupac Shakur to the unfortunate demise of President John F Kennedy, the reports and photos of autopsies have certainly become the stuff of legends.