What is the Difference between an 'autopsy' and a 'necropsy'?

Answer 1

An autopsy is when they find out how a person died, but normally under unusual circumstances. A necropsy is the same thing, but they perform it on animals. That's the only difference there is.

Answer 2

An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy, or obduction, is a medical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a human corpse to determine the cause and manner of a person's death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. It is usually performed by a specialized medical doctor called a pathologist. By definition, autopsies are performed on humans, by humans.

Autopsies are either performed for legal or medical purposes. A forensic autopsy is carried out when the cause of death may be a criminal matter, while a clinical or academic autopsy is performed to find the medical cause of death and is used in cases of unknown or uncertain death, or for research purposes. Autopsies can be further classified into cases where external examination suffices, and those where the body is dissected and an internal examination is conducted. Permission from next of kin may be required for internal autopsy in some cases. Once an internal autopsy is complete the body is reconstituted by sewing it back together. Autopsy is important in a medical environment and may shed light on mistakes and help improve practices.

A necropsy is the term for a post-mortem examination performed on an animal or inanimate object, because the prefix 'auto-' means 'self'.

Answer 3

An autopsy is a post mortem examination on a human being. a necropsy is a postmortem examination of an animal or inanimate object.

Answer 4

Autopsy is for humans. Necropsy is for animals.

Answer 5

They are sysnonyms. Both mean the same thing - examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.

Answer 6

according to www.dictionary.com the are the same... like small and little... 2 words for the same meaning