How is the brain examined and removed during an autopsy?

During an autopsy, the examination of the brain begins with an assessment while the organ is still in its natural position within the cranium.

Following this initial observation, the brain is carefully freed from its various attachments—including the meninges and vascular connections—and removed in toto (as a whole unit) for further study. The procedure may also involve the removal of the spinal cord to complete the examination of the central nervous system. Once the gross examination is finished, specimens may be taken for microscopic analysis, chemical analysis, or other specialized studies to document disease processes or determine the cause of death.1