The procedure is done with respect and seriousness. The prevailing mood in the autopsy room is curiosity, scientific interest, and pleasure at being able to find the truth and share it. Most pathologists choose their specialty, at least in part, because they like finding the real answers. The pathologist first examines the outside of the body. A great deal can be learned in this way.
Many pathologists use scalpels with rulers marked on their blades.
If the head is to be opened, the pathologist makes a second incision across the head, joining the bony prominences just below and behind the ears. When this is sewed back up, it will be concealed by the pillow on which the dead person's head rests. The pathologist uses a scalpel for these incisions. There is almost no bleeding, since a dead body has no blood pressure except that produced by gravity. The incisions are carried down to the skull, the rib cage and breastbone, and the cavity which contains the organs of the abdomen.