<P> The body block that was used earlier to elevate the chest cavity is now used to elevate the head . To examine the brain, an incision is made from behind one ear, over the crown of the head, to a point behind the other ear . When the autopsy is completed, the incision can be neatly sewn up and is not noticed when the head is resting on a pillow in an open casket funeral . The scalp is pulled away from the skull in two flaps with the front flap going over the face and the rear flap over the back of the neck . The skull is then cut with a circular (or semicircular) bladed reciprocating saw to create a "cap" that can be pulled off, exposing the brain . The brain is then observed in situ . Then the brain's connection to the cranial nerves and spinal cord are severed, and the brain is lifted out of the skull for further examination . If the brain needs to be preserved before being inspected, it is contained in a large container of formalin (15 percent solution of formaldehyde gas in buffered water) for at least two, but preferably four weeks . This not only preserves the brain, but also makes it firmer, allowing easier handling without corrupting the tissue . </P> <P> An important component of the autopsy is the reconstitution of the body such that it can be viewed, if desired, by relatives of the deceased following the procedure . After the examination, the body has an open and empty thoracic cavity with chest flaps open on both sides, the top of the skull is missing, and the skull flaps are pulled over the face and neck . It is unusual to examine the face, arms, hands or legs internally . </P> <P> In the UK, following the Human Tissue Act 2004 all organs and tissue must be returned to the body unless permission is given by the family to retain any tissue for further investigation . Normally the internal body cavity is lined with cotton wool or an appropriate material, the organs are then placed into a plastic bag to prevent leakage and returned to the body cavity . The chest flaps are then closed and sewn back together and the skull cap is sewed back in place . Then the body may be wrapped in a shroud and it is common for relatives to not be able to tell the procedure has been done when the body is viewed in a funeral parlor after embalming . </P> <P> The term "autopsy" derives from the Ancient Greek αὐτοψία autopsia, "to see for oneself", derived from αὐτός (autos, "oneself") and ὄψις (opsis, "sight, view"). The word "autopsy" has been used since around the 17th century, it refers to the examination of inside the dead human body to discover diseases and cause of death . Around 3000 BC ancient Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to practice the removal and examination of the internal organs of humans in the religious practice of mummification . </P>

When was the first legally ordered autopsy performed