autopsy

Encyclopedia Article

Article

The dissection of a corpse (dead human body) in order to determine the cause of death. Also known as a postmortem examination or necropsy. This method is used by a medical examiner or coroner when the cause of death is unknown or when death seems to have occurred under suspicious circumstances.

Photo Credit: 

 
Anatomía del corazón; ¡Y tenía corazón!; La autopsia. 1890. by Enrique Simonet, oil on canvas is licensed under Public Domain.

Published Works: 
The Blessing Way (1970)
Dance Hall of the Dead (1973)
People of Darkness (1980)
The Dark Wind (1982)
The Ghostway (1984)
Term Type: 
Human Environment