Thanatology and Fetopathology

Human anatomy and general pathology.

Theoretical, theoretical-practical classes, some in the autopsy room

Student must know:
• The decay process and taphonomy
• Objectives and procedures of both medico-legal and and anatomic-clinical autopsy.  Indications and public relevance of the medico-legal necropsy.
• Violent and natural deaths and their autoptic findings

• Hygiene and safety rules in the autopsy room.

Student must learn:

• Different autopsy techniques.
• The identification and description of the anatomo-pathological findings evidenced by the autopsy.

Student must be able to:
• Plan and adapt the technique and other autoptic procedures to the specific objectives of the autopsy.
• Ensure the basic requirements recommended for performing an autopsy, technically  and in respect to a healthy and safe work environment. 

1 Pathophysiology of death and post mortem interval

2. The decay process of a cadaver

3 Medico-legal autopsy vs anatomo-clinical autopsy; autopsy techniques

4. Ancillary autoptic examinations: toxicological, anatomo-pathological and others. Selection, collection and conservation of samples
5. Autopsy in potential infectious risk cases

6. Natural death vs violent death
7. Pathology of traumatic injuries
8. Mechanical asphyxia
9. Autopsy in situations of death by firearms and stabbing
10. Autopsy in deaths due to suspected poisoning, by physical, chemical and biological agents
11. Sudden death in adults. Sudden infant death syndrome. Death from abuse and neglect. Infanticide
12. Autopsy in deaths related to situations of pregnancy, childbirth and abortion. Death in utero
13. Autopsy in exhumations. Conservation processes of the corpse. Embalming techniques. 

NAO

Elementary References
Shkrum, M.J.; Ramsay, D.A. – Forensic Pathology of Trauma – Common Problems for the Pathologist, Humana Press, 2007.
Ludwig, J. – Handbook of Autopsy Practice (4ª ed.), Humana Press, 2009.

Secondary References
Knight, B.; Saukko, P. – Forensic Pathology (4ª ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2016.
DiMaio, V.; DiMaio, D. – Forensic Pathology (2ª ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton.
Gilbert Callabuig, J.A. – Medicina Legal Y Toxicologia (5ª ed.), Masson, Barcelona, 1998.
Sheaff, M.T.; Hopster, D.J. – Post Mortem Technique Handbook (2ª ed.), Springer, 2005.
Gordon, I.; Shapiro, H.A. – Forensic Medicine: a guide to principles (3ª ed.), Churchill Livingstone, 1988.
Kumar, V.; Abbas, A.K.; Fausto, N. – Pathologic Basis of Disease (7ª ed.), Elsevier Saunders, 2005.