Click on an instrument to find out more.
These large scissors are used for opening the intestines. The bulb-ended blade is inserted into the lumen (the hollow inside) of the gut, and the instrument is smoothly stripped down the length of the intestine. The blunt bulb keeps the internal blade from perforating the gut from the inside.
After scoring the calvarium (the vault-like part of the skull that holds the brain) with the vibrating saw or hand saw, the chisel is used to gently finish the separation of the top of the calvarium from the lower skull, thus exposing the brain and its coverings (meninges).
Large needles for sewing up the body after the autopsy is finished. The stitching is similar to that used on the outer covering of baseballs. Heavy twine, which is much coarser than suture, is used for the procedure.
These look like small pruning shears and are used to cut through the ribs prior to lifting off the chest plate.
This differs from the surgeon's scalpel in having a longer handle for reaching deeper into body cavities. The disposable blade is usually the largest commonly available.
General purpose mortuary instruments used for packing the body, lifting tissue, swabbing and many other purposes. The teeth on these lend strength in gripping heavy organs for removal.
Hand saws are rarely used these days. The hand saw can be used to saw through the skull, but it's much slower than the more commonly used vibrating saw.
The vibrating saw, also known as the 'Stryker saw', is an essential instrument for pathologists. The saw may be used for removing the skull cap, making linear cuts, or taking small bone specimens. The blade moves backwards and forwards very rapidly which prevents the saw from cutting soft tissues.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2009
