During autopsy, which incision is described as starting the procedure?

• A. S incision
• B. Y incision
• C. T incision
• D. U incision

Answer: (B)

The starting approach in a classic autopsy is the Y-shaped incision. This incision begins at each shoulder and extends down toward the midline, forming a Y that opens the chest and abdomen wide. It provides the broadest, quickest access to the thoracic and abdominal cavities, letting you expose the lungs, heart, mediastinum, and abdominal organs for thorough examination and sampling. Other incision shapes don’t offer the same immediate, wide exposure needed to begin the autopsy effectively, which is why the Y incision is described as initiating the procedure.