Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
[The extraordinary death]
Thomas Plattner1, Ulrich Zollinger
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universität Bern. plattner@irm.unibe.ch
Insights
Physicians perform post-mortem examinations to certify death, identify the deceased, and determine the cause of death. This process is crucial for reporting violent or suspicious deaths to authorities.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Pathology
Background:
- Physicians have a critical role in performing post-mortem examinations.
- These examinations are essential for death certification and identification.
Observation:
- The examination includes certifying death, identifying the deceased, and a thorough body assessment.
- Key aspects involve estimating the time of death and identifying potential violent causes.
Findings:
- The study highlights practical challenges and potential pitfalls encountered during post-mortem examinations.
- Case presentations illustrate difficulties in accurately determining the cause and manner of death.
Implications:
- Accurate post-mortem examinations are vital for legal and public health purposes.
- Understanding common problems can improve the quality and reliability of death investigations.
Abstract:
The examination of a deceased person is an important duty for physicians. It comprises the certification of death, the certification of the identity of the deceased, a thorough examination of the body, an estimation of the moment of death and ends with the decision, if death was caused by a certain or possible violent cause in which case it must be reported to the authorities. Problems and pitfalls are discussed on the basis of practical case presentations.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from emotional distress. Anger...
Necrosis
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Free-falling Bodies: Example
The...
