Which term describes the postmortem examination of the body to determine cause of death?

• A. Autopsy
• B. Forensic pathology
• C. Postmortem examination
• D. Necropsy

Answer: (A)

Autopsy describes the postmortem examination of a body to determine the cause of death. This procedure, typically performed by a pathologist, involves a careful external and internal inspection, organ examination, and laboratory tests to uncover diseases or injuries that led to death. Forensic pathology is the medical specialty that interprets findings from autopsies in legal contexts, rather than the exam itself. A postmortem examination is a broader term for the overall process, while necropsy is an older term more commonly used in veterinary contexts.