What Is The Difference Between Autopsy And Necropsy?
Although the terms ‘autopsy’ and ‘necropsy’ are considered synonymous, there is much confusion in the use of the latter. What do you mean exactly?
If we search the Internet for the difference between autopsy and necropsy, nothing is clear to us. The truth is that there is a lot of confusion about these two terms, which according to the Royal Spanish Academy are synonymous.
However, even if the word autopsy is used more, what happens with the so-called necropsy? The truth is that both refer to the search and investigation of the causes of death of a person. However, necropsy is used to designate much more than autopsy.
Next we will see some curious aspects of that new word. Next, we will show you the difference between these two terms.
The origin of the confusion
If we consult in the RAE what ‘necropsy’ means, we will discover that they lead us to the term ‘autopsy’. That is, the action of examining a corpse to search for information and determine the causes of death.
However, if we analyze the etymology of both words we realize that the term autopsy refers to the anatomical examination of a corpse while necropsy refers to examining or viewing a corpse.
Thus, both terms seek to resolve the causes of death. However, while one focuses on the more physical and external aspect, the other investigates further by opening the body to determine the exact reason for death.
However, this continues to raise doubts. Therefore, although we all know what an autopsy consists of, we are going to see what the necropsy means and how it is carried out. Being faithful to its etymological meaning, necropsy differs from autopsy in several elements.
The difference between autopsy and necropsy
We are going to see the difference between autopsy and necropsy by focusing on the latter term. We will find out in what cases and why this word is used. In this way, we will know how to differentiate it from what it means to perform an autopsy.
Exhume a corpse
Many times, it is necessary to exhume a corpse in order to resolve any possible doubts that may have remained after the autopsy and subsequent burial. For example, it is often done in an open murder case, when new evidence is presented or appears.
In this case, the term necropsy can be used, as the corpse has already undergone a full autopsy. What is done next is to examine and view the body again, looking for any indication that confirms the new information that we have.
Autopsy in animals
Another difference between autopsy and necropsy is that autopsy is sometimes used with the same meaning as autopsy. The difference is whether the autopsy is performed on humans or animals. Thus, the term ‘necropsy’ is used to refer to that performed on animals.
Sometimes only the body will be examined and observed, but even if a full autopsy occurs, it will be called a necropsy in these cases. Generally speaking, the procedure will be the same as the autopsy.
Procedure prior to autopsy
The last difference between autopsy and necropsy is that the latter is used, on many occasions, to designate the procedure that is performed before the autopsy.
We all know that researcher who collects evidence of hair and even determines the cause of death with just a glance. This part of the corpse recognition procedure is called a ‘necropsy’.
In it, only the body is examined and seen without interfering with it. The injuries and the state in which it is found can give a slight idea of what has happened.
Later, already in the autopsy, all those previous hypotheses of the first contact with the corpse will be confirmed. To get to this point, it is opened and a much deeper and more detailed analysis is carried out.
Autopsy or necropsy?
There may still be some doubt about the use of the term ‘necropsy’. Have you ever heard this term? The use of the term ‘autopsy’ is much more ingrained. Also, when a specific use of a term is made and there is so much confusion about it, it is always better to choose the safe term.
However, which of the necropsy definitions is the most accurate for you? The one that refers to the autopsy in animals? The procedure prior to the autopsy or the exhumation of a corpse?
