What is the primary purpose of an autopsy?

The primary purpose of an autopsy is to determine the cause of death. This process involves a thorough examination of the body, including internal organs, tissues, and systems, to uncover factors that may have contributed to the individual's death. Autopsies can reveal a variety of information, such as the presence of diseases, injuries, or toxic substances, providing insights into how and why a person died. This information can be crucial for medical records, legal proceedings, public health data, or family closure.

While autopsies can occasionally be used in criminal investigations, that is not their primary purpose. They focus more on the medical and scientific understanding of death rather than investigating crimes. Studying the effects of diseases is also a component of medical research, but it does not encapsulate the main goal of an autopsy, which is centered around understanding the circumstances surrounding a specific death. Additionally, assessing the health of living patients falls outside the scope of autopsies, as these examinations are conducted post-mortem, rather than during a patient’s life.