Autopsy

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/autopsy

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the etymological origin?Greek 'autopsia' meaning 'to see for oneself'
2. What is the key historical figure?Rudolf Virchow, pioneer of cellular pathology
3. What is an autopsy and why do doctors do it?An autopsy is a careful look at a body after death to find out why someone died. It helps doctors confirm diagnoses, learn about diseases, and improve medical care.
4. How do autopsies help families who lost someone?Autopsies can give clear answers about the cause of death, helping families understand what happened and find closure.

Iatrogenic: An injury or illness caused by medical examination or treatment.
Histology: The microscopic study of the structure of tissues.
Minimally Invasive Autopsy (MIA): A less invasive autopsy method using imaging and limited dissection.