Diseases

Autopsy

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An examination of the body after death usually with such dissection as will expose the vital organs for determining the cause of death or the character and extent of changes produced by disease — called also necropsy, postmortem, postmortem examination.

SYMPTOMS

Required autopsies. Are unexpected. This may include the sudden death of a healthy child or adult. Are a result of any injury. Are suspicious, such as a suicide or murder. Have happened under other conditions defined by law. May help health experts find and track a disease or possible public health hazard.

CAUSES

A natural death means the death was caused by a disease or from the natural effects of old age. An unnatural death means the death was caused by something unexpected, unusual, or suspicious. Unnatural manners of death are homicide, suicide, accident, and "undetermined."