What is another term for autopsy?

The term that is most commonly synonymous with autopsy is "post-mortem examination." An autopsy is conducted to determine the cause of death and is typically performed by a forensic pathologist or medical examiner. It involves thorough examination of the deceased's body, including the dissection of organs and tissues to identify any diseases or injuries.

While "necropsy" is another term that can also refer to an examination of animals after death, it is not as universally understood in the context of human autopsies. "Dissection" generally refers to the act of cutting apart organisms for study, but it does not imply the examination of a corpse specifically for the purpose of determining cause of death. "Pathological assessment" might involve examining certain tissues or samples but is not a direct synonym for autopsy, which denotes a more comprehensive examination post-mortem.

Thus, "post-mortem examination" is the correct term highlighting the purpose of an autopsy in identifying the circumstances leading up to a person's death.