| A | B |
|---|
| Algor Mortis | Cooling of the body that follows death at about 1.5 degrees F. |
| Autopsy | Systematic external and internal examination of a dead body. |
| Chest Plate | Portion of the chest wall that is removed during an autopsy. |
| Coroner | Elected public offer who may or may not be a doctor. |
| Decomposition | Breakdown or decay of organic matter. |
| Death Certificate | Legal paper usually signed by doctor with name and cause of death. |
| Forensic Autopsy | Authorized by a coroner and does not need family permission. |
| Forensic Science | Use of science in investigation and est. of facts in a court of law. |
| Formalin | a 37% solution of formaldehyde in water which is used as a fixative to preserve tissue. |
| Gross | Visible without the aid of a microscope: macroscopic |
| Histology | Microscopic examination of tissue samples taken during the autopsy. |
| Hypertension | High blood pressure. |
| Hypostasis | Settling of blood in the lower part of an organ or the body as a result of decreased or stopped blood flow. |
| Infarction | Tissue death within an organ, caused by blockage of the blood flow and oxygen to that tissue. |
| Intermastoid Incision | Incision made from behind each ear across the top of the head, whic permits examination of the brain. |
| Livor Mortis | Hypostasis or pooling of the blood following death that causes a purplish-red discoloration of the skin. |
| Medical Autopsy | Conducted in a hospital for educational or explanation purposes. Family must say yes. |
| Medical Examiner | Physician officially authorized to ascertain causes of death. |
| Morgue | Place in which the bodies of the deceased are kept until identified and claimed. |
| Pathologist | Doctor who is qualified in the study of anatomy and diseases and are in charge of performing autopsies. |
| Petechiae | Pinpoint hemorrhages that appear in epithelial surfaces caused by injury or disease. |
| Rigor Mortis | Hardening of muscle cells that begins shortly after death and causes board-like stiffness. |
| Rokitansky Method | Involves the removal of the body organs all at once. |
| Stryker Saw | Saw with vibrating blade that is used during autopsy that can cut through bone without damaging tissue. |
| Toe Tag | Piece of paper or plastic with patient's name or case number on it. |
| Toxicology | Study of the nature, effects, and detection of chemicals (poisons or drugs) in organisms. |
| Virchow Method | Autopsy in which each organ is removed from the body separately. |
| Vitreous Humor | Liquid portion of the eye often used to analyze the chemical components of the body. |
| Y-Incision | Made from the chest to the abdomen. |
