Organ dissection — respiratory system

Abstract

The respiratory system runs from the nares to the most distal alveolar spaces. Although in life many infections occur in the upper tract, the majority of respiratory conditions relevant to the post mortem are found in the lung. Many ultimate causes of death involve the pulmonary tree and this makes careful investigation of the lungs especially important. Most of the major pathological findings such as tumours or infections will have been identified or at least suggested at the time of evisceration, but it is as well to follow a routine for dissecting the airways to avoid overlooking associated or relevant pathology. For example, it is important to examine the pleural cavities for fluid, adhesions or pneumothorax and the pulmonary arteries for emboli at the appropriate time in every case, in order that these findings are not neglected and therefore missed. These have been discussed fully in the earlier chapter on general evisceration and will not be repeated here. Obviously, flexibility of technique is also important in order to obtain the most information from the post mortem and demonstration as possible, and also to avoid potential problems from hazards such as tuberculosis.