What does the term 'autopsy' refer to?

The term 'autopsy' refers specifically to the examination and dissection of a body after death to determine the cause of death or the extent of disease. This procedure is typically performed by a pathologist and can provide valuable insights into medical conditions, trauma, or other factors that may have contributed to the individual’s demise.

The focus of an autopsy is on anatomical and pathological analysis, allowing for a deeper understanding of physical health conditions that were present prior to death. This differentiation is crucial in various fields, including forensic science, where information gathered can assist in legal investigations.

In contrast, the other options relate to different processes or areas of study that do not involve the postmortem investigation of the body. Preparing a body for burial, for instance, is a separate process involving embalming and other rituals, while studying living tissue and conducting psychological evaluations pertain to entirely different disciplines.