How can an autopsy reveal information about a person's disease process?

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Tuberculosis — disease A doctor examining chest X-rays of patients infected with tuberculosis, which remains one of the world's deadliest diseases.

An autopsy, derived from the Greek for "the act of seeing for oneself," is a systematic examination of a deceased body used to observe the effects of disease and establish the evolution and mechanisms of disease processes.1

By correlating anatomical findings with a patient’s prior symptoms and clinical history, pathologists can document the disease processes present at the time of death. The process typically involves:1

Gross Examination: A thorough visual inspection of the body’s exterior and interior organs to identify abnormalities or trauma.1
Microscopic and Specialized Analysis: Examination of cells and tissues, often utilizing electron microscopy, molecular biology, and chemical or bacteriological studies to identify changes at the cellular level.1
Clinical Pathological Correlation: The final stage where findings are synthesized to confirm diagnoses, correct initial assessments, and provide a comprehensive understanding of how the disease functioned within the individual.1

Beyond determining the cause of death, autopsies are essential for identifying new disease patterns, exposing medical errors, and advancing medical education and pathology.1