What is a pathologist?
A pathologist is a person who has knowledge of the physical abnormalities caused by disease. An anatomist is a person who has knowledge of the (human) anatomy. The latter, only some specialized experts in the Netherlands, one finds particularly in universities; clinical pathologists work in hospitals.
A pathologist also performs autopsies. The difference between the terms and autopsy section is minimal. An autopsy was clinically and is requested by a physician (for the family). This is also always need permission from the family. Section judiciary, this is not the consent of the family needed. The public prosecutor or the attorney ordered the investigation. Autopsy is the common word for these concepts. The term in Dutch this is "autopsy".
Also in forensic investigations, use is often made of the services of a pathologist, that is to say, a doctor who specializes in the figure out the cause of death and therefore the analysis of abnormalities (such as diseases) of the human body.
A famous pathologist in the Netherlands was dr. Jan Zeldenrust, the first director of the Forensic Medical Laboratory, now part of the Dutch Forensic Institute (NFI). The practitioner call themselves nowadays no longer pathologist but (clinical) pathologist.
In the Netherlands, the NFI is often involved in research of remains. Usually this takes place as part of a criminal investigation, and then does not require permission from the family. The pathologist works according to a strict protocol and do it as quickly as possible so as not to unduly disrupt much mourning rituals.
The research is described in a fixed set of actions take place, the protocol must prevent the pathologist sees something overlooked. The findings are accurately recorded and photographs will be taken if necessary to consult other experts. For example, it is possible that someone gets a hit, then surely dies from the effects of a stroke.
First the dead externally examined and then follow internal examination and, if necessary, an x-ray. The latter is often the case with stabbings and always dead by gunshot wounds. Bullets or backward pinches assist in evidence. The NFI, formerly known as the Forensic Laboratory, disposes of own equipment.
In the first place, forensics meant to bring things forward, where nobody thinks. Obviously demonstrating the cause of death is important, but equally important to close out what has played no role in the death.
Pathologists NFI provide information for the police and judiciary, but the judge ultimately decides who is responsible.
To avoid ambiguity, the researchers report in understandable Dutch avoiding jargon. If necessary, enter the pathologist in the lawsuit as an expert witness. Occasionally he is called to assist in the reconstruction of a fatal event.
Procedure
Pathological examination proceeds according to strict rules in a fixed sequence. The pathologist begins with external examination: head, torso, arms and legs. First, the front than the rear. Upon internal examination the position of the organs is examined to determine pathological abnormalities or defects due to mechanical force.
Brains are also examined by default. The pathologist cuts the skin at the back of the head from ear to ear open. The skin is folded forward and then the skull is opened. This method has the advantage that there is nothing on the front side of the head of view is. The inner skull is examined for bruises or fractures and the brains are checked for injuries and diseases.
Internal organs are weighed and scrutinized. The heart, for example, is opened in order to see whether there is evidence of a myocardial infarction. The coronary artery is cut at dozens of places to see if it's somewhere close. Also, liver, spleen, lungs, stomach, intestines, trachea, esophagus, and the muscles are examined in detail.
Research and reporting are so accurate that even new questions can be answered later. The last meal is determined using samples from the stomach contents. Organs are few cubic centimeters removed and stored in the freezer or formalin, so always toxicological examination and reappraisal are possible. Slices of tissue for microscopic examination to be kept in formalin. Children are always taken skin samples to determine metabolic disorders.
By inquest, the interests of justice first. Even with the wishes of the deceased are taken into account: for example, if someone take a codicil wore, the surgeon may, in consultation with Justice usable organs from the body and then report yet on the NFI.