Forensic pathology
Forensic pathology examines deaths within an appropriate legal framework using scene, history, postmortem findings and specialized tests while preserving evidentiary integrity.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Forensic pathology — specialty learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal overview diagram showing four related domains. This is not a literal anatomy drawing, histologic image or clinical decision rule.
Scene and history
Circumstances of discovery, available clinical records, witness accounts and environmental factors may affect postmortem interpretation.
External and internal examination
Document injuries, natural disease and postmortem changes using an approved examination plan; distinguish observation from interpretation.
Ancillary analyses
Toxicology, histology, imaging and other analyses may help answer defined questions subject to specimen integrity and limitations.
Cause and manner
The medical cause of death differs from the legally categorized manner of death; uncertainty must be reported accurately.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.