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An autopsy is a thorough medical examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death and evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. It is a crucial tool in forensic science, public health, and medical education, providing insights that can influence legal decisions and advance medical knowledge.
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Forensic pathology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse, often in the context of criminal investigations. It involves performing autopsies and analyzing medical evidence to assist legal authorities in understanding how and why a person has died.
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The cause of death refers to the specific reason or condition that directly leads to an individual's death, often determined through medical examination and documented on a death certificate. Understanding the cause of death is crucial for public health analysis, legal investigations, and informing family members about potential genetic risks.
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A postmortem examination, also known as an autopsy, is a thorough medical procedure performed on a deceased individual to determine the cause of death and evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. This examination is crucial for legal investigations, medical research, and improving public health knowledge by identifying patterns and causes of mortality.
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Histopathology is the study of tissue disease under a microscope, essential for diagnosing and understanding the progression of diseases such as cancer. It involves examining tissue samples to identify abnormalities at the cellular level, providing crucial information for treatment decisions.
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Toxicology is the scientific study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms and the practice of diagnosing and treating exposures to toxins and toxicants. It involves understanding the dose-response relationship, mechanisms of toxicity, and assessing risk to ensure safety in pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals, and consumer products.
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A Medical Examiner is a licensed physician, often with specialized training in forensic pathology, responsible for investigating deaths under unusual or suspicious circumstances. They perform autopsies, determine causes of death, and may testify in court regarding their findings to aid legal investigations.
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A coroner is a public official responsible for investigating deaths, particularly those happening under unusual or suspicious circumstances. They determine the cause of death and may conduct inquests, often working closely with law enforcement and forensic specialists.
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Clinical autopsy is a post-mortem examination conducted to determine the cause of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present, providing valuable insights for medical research and education. It serves as a critical tool for quality control in healthcare, offering a final opportunity to confirm or refute clinical diagnoses and treatments administered during a patient's life.
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A forensic autopsy is a thorough examination of a deceased body conducted by a forensic pathologist to determine the cause and manner of death, often in cases of sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths. It involves a detailed analysis of medical history, external and internal examination, and may include toxicological, histological, and genetic testing to provide evidence in legal investigations.
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Death investigation is a comprehensive process that seeks to determine the cause, manner, and circumstances of a person's death. It involves multiple disciplines including forensic pathology, toxicology, and law enforcement to ensure a thorough and accurate determination.
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Cellular pathology, also known as histopathology, is the study of disease in tissues and cells under a microscope to diagnose illnesses and guide treatment. It plays a critical role in understanding the pathological basis of diseases and is integral to modern medical diagnostics and research.
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Diagnostic pathology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing diseases through the examination of tissue, organ, and bodily fluid samples. It plays a crucial role in patient care by providing definitive diagnoses that guide treatment decisions and prognostic evaluations.
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Pathological anatomy is the study of structural changes in tissues and organs that occur as a result of disease. It provides a crucial link between clinical medicine and laboratory science, aiding in the diagnosis and understanding of diseases at a microscopic level.
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Pathology is the branch of medical science that involves the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and whole bodies (autopsies). It serves as a critical bridge between science and medicine, providing the foundation for understanding disease mechanisms and informing clinical practice and treatment strategies.
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Organ pathology is the study of diseases affecting specific organs, focusing on understanding the structural and functional changes they undergo due to various pathological processes. It plays a critical role in diagnosing diseases, guiding treatment decisions, and advancing medical research by providing insights into the mechanisms of disease at the organ level.
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Strangulation is a form of asphyxia characterized by the constriction of the neck, leading to a reduction in airflow and blood flow to the brain, which can result in unconsciousness or death. It is often used in contexts of violence and can have severe physical and psychological consequences, making it a critical issue in forensic and medical fields.
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Manner of death refers to the classification of how a death occurred, typically categorized as natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal, or undetermined. This classification helps in legal, medical, and forensic investigations to understand the circumstances surrounding a person's death.
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Legal medicine, also known as forensic medicine, involves the application of medical knowledge to legal issues, including the investigation of deaths, injuries, and allegations of abuse. It plays a crucial role in the justice system by providing expert testimony and evidence that helps to establish facts in criminal and civil cases.
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Forensic medicine is the branch of medical science that applies medical knowledge and methods to solve crimes, particularly in establishing causes of injury or death. It plays a crucial role in legal investigations by providing evidence that can be used in court to support or refute claims made by the prosecution or defense.
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby, usually during sleep, and is often associated with sleep-related environmental factors. While the exact cause remains unknown, preventive measures such as placing infants on their backs to sleep and maintaining a smoke-free environment can significantly reduce the risk.
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Natural death refers to the end of life occurring through the natural aging process or disease, without external intervention or unnatural causes. It emphasizes the biological inevitability of death, contrasting with deaths caused by accidents, violence, or other external factors.
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