Virtual Autopsy

picture of a virtual skeleton to show how that person could have died

Virtual autopsy is a new form of performing autopsies that is still relatively new out in the science field. It is used in both the learning environment and for a few possible other reasons. Among them are if what needs to be looked at is hard to get at with a knife and scalpel or if opening up the body and digging will loss time. Looking for something in the intestines, virtually place all … feet of them out around and look for the answer then cut in, cutting it might destroy it all together. The virtual autopsy is a form of a MRI or a cat scan that then presents the body out on the screen, or as some TV shows like to use, have the technology to project a life size out in the middle of the room. The virtual autopsy is completely digital and records everything as the autopsy goes along, not missing anything. This way, forensic pathologists could conduct the autopsy through the computer or completely on the computer. The three dimensions could then be taken into the court room once all the little kinks are worked out and the autopsy can actually appear in the murder trial for all to see, not just the photographs. The virtual autopsy, if not later cut into for something, leaves the body intact. This way religious groups can still have autopsies done but their beliefs are still followed, crimes can still be solved.

What is a Virtual Autopsy? 2009. Tech-FAQ. 5 May 2009 http://www.tech-faq.com/virtual-autopsy.shtml