ABSTRACT
Pathologists must perform a careful external examination of the cadaver prior to the actual autopsy, as the external findings may sometimes be more important than anything revealed by the internal examination. The external examination often provides significant clues and sometimes may even reveal the cause of death. External examination is especially important in forensic cases where close attention to detail is mandatory. The examination must be documented with photographs and a full written description of findings. Diagram sheets should also be used to graphically reproduce the locations of anatomical findings.
