Glossary
What is autopsy?
An autopsy is a medical examination of a body after death to determine the cause and manner of death. It may be ordered by a coroner or medical examiner in certain deaths, or requested by the family for medical reasons.
A forensic autopsy is typically ordered by a coroner or medical examiner when a death is sudden, unexplained, violent, or unattended. A clinical or hospital autopsy is instead requested by the family or a physician to better understand a known illness. Each US state sets its own rules for which deaths must be investigated, so when an examination is legally required varies by jurisdiction.
About one in five US deaths falls under the authority of a coroner or medical examiner, though only a portion of those lead to a full autopsy. The examination establishes both the cause of death (the disease or injury) and the manner of death (natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined), which is then recorded on the death certificate.
An autopsy does not usually prevent a viewing or an open-casket service, and it does not by itself rule out cremation. It can, however, delay the cause-of-death finding and therefore the death certificate, which families need to settle the estate and arrange disposition. Because timing affects the funeral schedule, families typically coordinate with the funeral director and, where one is involved, the medical examiner's office.
Related terms
Death certificate
A death certificate is the official government record of a person's death, listing identifying details and the cause of death. Certified copies are needed to settle the estate, claim benefits, close accounts, and arrange burial or cremation.
Funeral director
A funeral director is a licensed professional who arranges and oversees funeral, burial, and cremation services. They handle the body, coordinate paperwork such as permits and death certificates, and guide families through the choices involved.
Embalming
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a body by replacing its fluids with chemical solutions that slow decomposition. It is sometimes used before a viewing or for transport, but is rarely required by law and is not necessary for most funerals.
Disposition
Disposition refers to the final handling of a body — most commonly burial, entombment, cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis. The method of disposition is recorded on official paperwork and usually requires authorization from the legal next of kin.
See also
Common questions about Autopsy
Sources
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.