Approach to the autopsy: purpose and philosophy -- Circumstantial and medical history -- External examination: the preliminary examination -- External examination: forensic injuries -- External examination: specific body areas -- Internal examination: opening of body cavities and initial assessment -- Organ and tissue removal -- Individual organ examination -- Examination of the head, skull, brain, and spinal cord -- Microscopic examination -- Postmortem laboratory analysis of drugs, chemicals, and microorganisms -- Investingating natural diseases