AUTOPSY

refers to a procedure in which a dead body is examined in an effort to determine the exact cause and time of death. For legal, religious, and cultural reasons, an autopsy cannot be performed without the express permission of the next of kin or in some cases, an order of the public authorities. The procedure usually entails a detailed dissection of body tissues, as well as laboratory tests. Also known as a postmortem examination. See also psychological autopsy.