Autopsy vs. Necropsy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Autopsy is a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or disease in humans, while necropsy is the post-mortem examination of animals. Both are diagnostic processes but are specific to different subjects.
Difference Between Autopsy and Necropsy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Autopsy is a medical procedure that involves dissecting a deceased human body to determine the cause of death or to study disease. Typically, forensic pathologists perform autopsies on humans. Necropsy, on the other hand, is the autopsy equivalent for animals. Veterinarians or veterinary pathologists generally perform these procedures.
The word "autopsy" is often associated with legal or medical requirements and is more common in contexts involving human subjects. Necropsy is commonly used in veterinary medicine and animal research, often to determine an unexplained death in animals or to study diseases that may affect a population.
Autopsy usually involves specific protocols that include external and internal examinations. In contrast, necropsy might involve more specialized procedures tailored to the animal species and potential diseases involved. Both involve tissue sampling for further analysis.
While both autopsy and necropsy aim to uncover the cause of death or any diseases present, the skill sets, terminologies, and methodologies can differ. An autopsy, given its human focus, might involve additional tests and imaging studies that are uncommon in a necropsy.
It's important to note that while autopsy reports often serve legal or insurance purposes, necropsy reports are often used for academic research or to inform public health initiatives. Both contribute valuable information but have different end goals.
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Comparison Chart
Subject
Human bodies
Animal bodies
Practitioners
Forensic pathologists
Veterinarians or veterinary pathologists
Common Usage
Legal or medical context
Veterinary medicine, research
Terminology
Human-specific terms
Animal-specific terms
Purpose
Often for legal or insurance purposes
Usually for academic or public health needs
Compare with Definitions
Autopsy
Medical examination of a deceased human.
The autopsy revealed the cause of death.
Necropsy
Animal autopsy for research purposes.
The necropsy provided samples for the study.
Autopsy
Procedure to discover disease or cause of death.
They performed an autopsy to check for toxins.
Necropsy
Used to determine cause of death in animals.
The necropsy results were inconclusive.
Autopsy
Involves both external and internal examinations.
The autopsy included examining the heart and lungs.
Necropsy
May involve species-specific protocols.
The necropsy on the bird included examining its feathers.
Autopsy
Post-mortem investigation on humans.
The coroner ordered an autopsy.
Necropsy
Examination of a dead animal's body.
The necropsy showed signs of disease.
Autopsy
An autopsy (post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death or to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present for research or educational purposes. (The term "necropsy" is generally reserved for non-human animals).
Necropsy
Veterinary post-mortem procedure.
A necropsy was performed on the deceased pet.
Autopsy
Examination of a cadaver to determine or confirm the cause of death. Also called necropsy, postmortem, postmortem examination.
Necropsy
See autopsy.
Autopsy
A critical assessment or examination after the fact
A post-election campaign autopsy.
Necropsy
(medicine) The pathological examination of a corpse, particularly to determine cause of death.
Autopsy
To subject to an autopsy.
Necropsy
The act of performing a necropsy.
Autopsy
A dissection performed on a cadaver to find possible cause(s) of death.
The autopsy revealed he had died of multiple bullet wounds.
Necropsy
A post-mortem examination or inspection; an autopsy. See Autopsy.
Autopsy
An after-the-fact examination, especially of the causes of a failure.
Necropsy
An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
Autopsy
(rare) An eyewitness observation, the presentation of an event as witnessed.
Autopsy
(transitive) To perform an autopsy on.
Autopsy
(transitive) To perform an after-the-fact analysis of, especially of a failure.
Autopsy
Personal observation or examination; seeing with one's own eyes; ocular view.
By autopsy and experiment.
Autopsy
Dissection of a dead body, for the purpose of ascertaining the cause, seat, or nature of a disease; a post-mortem examination.
Autopsy
An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
Autopsy
Perform an autopsy on a dead body; do a post-mortem
Autopsy
Forensic analysis of a dead body.
The autopsy confirmed it was a homicide.
Common Curiosities
What is an autopsy?
An autopsy is a post-mortem examination of a human body.
Who performs necropsies?
Veterinarians or veterinary pathologists perform necropsies.
Can an autopsy reveal diseases?
Yes, autopsies can identify diseases and their progression.
Is a necropsy used in research?
Yes, necropsies are commonly used in veterinary research.
What do necropsy reports focus on?
Necropsy reports often focus on diseases affecting animal populations.
What is a necropsy?
A necropsy is a post-mortem examination of an animal body.
Is a necropsy similar to an autopsy?
While similar, a necropsy is specifically for animals.
Do autopsies include toxicology tests?
Yes, autopsies often include a range of tests including toxicology.
Who performs autopsies?
Forensic pathologists usually perform autopsies.
Is consent needed for an autopsy?
Usually, consent from next of kin is required for an autopsy.
Are autopsies legally mandated?
In some cases, such as suspicious deaths, autopsies are mandated.
Do necropsies follow a standard procedure?
Procedures can vary based on the species and purpose of the necropsy.
Are autopsy reports public?
Autopsy reports are usually confidential but may be released for legal reasons.
Can necropsies detect environmental toxins?
Yes, necropsies can reveal the presence of environmental toxins in animals.
What is the main goal of an autopsy?
The main goal is usually to determine the cause of death and any underlying diseases.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
