Autopsy, << AW top see, >> is an external and internal examination of the dead. It is also called necropsy and post mortem examination. The law requires that every cause of death be verified by a physician or by a coroner’s jury. If the physician knows that death is from natural causes, he or she signs the death certificate and no autopsy need be performed. If uncertain of the conditions leading to the cause, however, the physician may ask for an autopsy for scientific reasons. A coroner may legally insist on an autopsy when death results from suicide, homicide, or unknown causes.
See also Forensic pathology .
