Glossary

Alzheimer’s disease: a degenerative brain disease of unknown cause that is the most common form of dementia, that usually starts in late middle age or in old age, that results in progressive memory loss, impaired thinking, disorientation, and changes in personality

Analysis: to examine in detail in order to draw conclusions

Anatomic: relating to physical structure

Aneurysm: a dilated artery causing a weakened vessel wall

Asbestosis: lung disease from scarring resulting from inhaltation of asbestos fibers   

Authorization form: a required document that must be signed by the next of kin consenting that an autopsy may be performed           

Autopsy: a medical examination performed after death to determine the cause and additional disease conditions 

Cardiac: Latin, referring to the heart

Cardiovascular disease: abnormality of the heart or blood vessels

Deposition: testimony that is given under oath prior to trial

DNA: chemical substance carrying genetic information

Drug Overdose/Interaction: a dangerously large dose of a drug, especially a narcotic, causing illness or death

Exhumation: to excavate a corpse from a grave

Forensic autopsy: a criminal investigation through an autopsy

Mesothelioma: Cancer arising from the pleura around the lungs, or around the heart or abdomen, resulting from exposure to asbestos.

Microscope: magnifying instrument that uses a system of lenses to greatly enlarge a subject

MRSA: methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which causes various diseases such as skin, endocarditic and bloodstream infection

Neurological disease: disorders of the structure and function of the nervous system

Next of Kin: closest relative by local jurisdictions authorized to sign any legal disposition on behalf of the decedent

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Pathologist: a physician trained in the scientific study of the nature, origin, progress, and cause of disease

Postmortem: see autopsy

Pulmonary: relating to the lungs and respiratory system

Pulmonary embolism: a sudden blockage of a major artery from a dislodged clot