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10-13-2013, 02:06 PM
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How to Remove a Human Brain
The initial step required for brain removal includes making an incision from behind one ear, across the top of the scalp, to behind the opposite ear. The scalp is then reflected forward, exposing the underlying skull. After the scalp has been reflected forward, the decedent’s face will be temporarily covered by the ‘‘inside-out’’ scalp. A bone saw is used to cut out a piece of skull, thus allowing access to the underlying brain. Depending on the case or office protocol, the temporalis muscles on the side of the skull can be trimmed away from the underlying skull, in order to better visualize the bone. In some instances, the bone can be removed without disturbing the underlying dura. In such cases, the skullcap actually peels off the dura as it is being removed. In other cases, the dura remains adherent to the inner aspect of the skullcap so that when the skull is removed, the dura is also removed, thus exposing the underlying brain. After the skullcap and dura have been removed, the brain is exposed and ready for removal from the cranial cavity. In order to remove the brain, it must be gently pulled back, in order to cut the portion of the dura that separates the cerebrum from the underlying cerebellum (the ‘‘tentorium’’). This is followed by cutting of the optic nerves, the pituitary stalk, the carotid arteries, the vertebral arteries, and the upper cervical spinal cord. After the brain has been removed, it is important to remove the adherent dura from the inner aspect of the skull to check for any fractures or hemorrhage. |