Editing Pathology (section)

====Forensic pathology====
{{Main|Forensic pathology}}
[[File:Human dissection of the abdominal and toraxic organs.jpg|thumb|Pathologist performing a human dissection of the abdominal and thoracic organs in an autopsy room]]

Forensic pathology focuses on determining the cause of death by [[post-mortem examination]] of a corpse or partial remains.  An autopsy is typically performed by a coroner or medical examiner, often during criminal investigations; in this role, [[coroner]]s and medical examiners are also frequently asked to confirm the identity of a corpse. The requirements for becoming a licensed practitioner of forensic pathology varies from country to country (and even within a given nation<ref>{{cite journal |author=Lett D |title=National standards for forensic pathology training slow to develop |journal=CMAJ |volume=177 |issue=3 |pages=240–1 |date=July 2007 |pmid=17664437 |pmc=1930175 |doi=10.1503/cmaj.070881 }}</ref>) but typically a minimal requirement is a [[medical doctorate]] with a specialty in general or anatomical pathology with subsequent study in forensic medicine.  The methods forensic scientists use to determine death include examination of tissue specimens to identify the presence or absence of natural disease and other microscopic findings, interpretations of [[toxicology]] on body tissues and fluids to determine the chemical cause of overdoses, poisonings or other cases involving toxic agents, and examinations of [[physical trauma]].  Forensic pathology is a major component in the trans-disciplinary field of [[forensic science]].{{cn|date=August 2022}}