Directions: All drawings and labeling are to be done in your lab notebook.

Each stage of the

autopsy should be documented with the assigned Ipad. Take many pictures throughout the
process. Upon completion of the autopsy, you will work with your partner to submit a
presentation on your findings through Haiku Deck.
Materials needed: 1 large dill pickle for each pair of students, toothpicks, dissecting equipment,
pH paper and chart, microscope, slides, and coverslips.
AUTOPSY OF A DILL PICKLE

TOOLS: (MATCH)
1. SCALPEL
2. FORCEPS
3. DISSECTING PAN
4. DISSECTING PINS
5. SCISSORS
6. TEASING NEEDLES labeled A. - I.)
7. BLUNT PROBE
8. DROPPER
Lay the tools out and take a picture. Label all tools 1-8.


STAGE ONE: The exterior of the body is examined for abnormalities such as wounds or scars
from injuries or surgeries. Draw both dorsal and ventral (posterior and anterior) views of your
pickle, indicating your findings. Label the views.

Take pictures to document any abnormalities.

STAGE TWO: The ventral body cavity (A) is to be opened using a deep Y-shaped incision (B).
The arms of the Y start at the anterior surface of shoulders (C) and join at the inferior point of
the breastbone (sternum) (D) to form a single cut that extends to the pubic area (E).
Draw the pickle and the line of incision. Label A E with your teasing needles.
Take a picture to document your labels.

After the ribcage is sawn through, the abdominopelvic region (F) can be opened like hinged
doors (G) to expose the internal organs (H). The contents of the thoracic cavity (I) will also be
visible. The second stage of the autopsy includes careful examination of many or all of the
internal organs. If the brain is to be examined, a portion of the skull must be removed. The face,
arms, and legs are usually not dissected unless there is a specific reason for doing so.
Draw the pickle at this stage of the autopsy. Label the F - I. Indicate superficial and deep layers.

Take a picture after this stage as well. Highlight any internal abnormalities you may find.


STAGE THREE: After the organs are returned to their respective body cavities, and the body is
sewn up, the third phase of the autopsy begins. It is a microscopic examination of tissues
collected during the first two stages. Tests to analyze the chemical content of body fluids or to
determine the presence of infectious organisms may also be performed
Collect a sample of body fluid using the dropper.
Test the pH of body fluid using pH test paper: pH =

Take a picture of the pH results.
Is the body fluid acid, basic, or neutral?

Normal pH of human body tissues is 7.35 - 7.45. While normal pH for a pickle is about 4.5
CONCLUSION
What is your finding about cause of death of this patient? Support your opinion with specific
details from the autopsy.