Checking for contents of the intestinal tract would be done during which phase of the autopsy?

a. external examination
b. dissection
c. post-autopsy
d. internal examination

The correct answer is option (D) internal examination.

Autopsy or the post-mortem examination is a surgical procedure involving the detailed examination of a corpse by dissection. It is done to evaluate the cause, manner and the mode of death.

Basically there are three steps in the process of autopsy. They are-

1. External examination- It involves the collection of the external evidence which includes the kind of clothes, position of the body or any external material on the external surface of the body. The body is then photographed, cleaned, weighed and a general description of the body is noted.

2. Internal examination- Many incisions are made on the body to inspect the internal organs of the body by dissection. It exposes the body parts like the lungs, heart, stomach and the intestinal contents and the brain. The organs are removed and studied to evaluate the cause of death.

3. Reconstitution of the body- The body cavity is lined with cotton, wool and other organs are placed in a plastic bag to prevent the leakage and added back to the body and sewn back.