What are the two primary types of autopsies?

The two primary types of autopsies are clinical and forensic autopsies. Clinical autopsies are generally conducted in a hospital setting and are primarily focused on understanding diseases that contributed to a patient's death. They provide valuable information for medical research and quality assurance in healthcare.

Forensic autopsies are performed in cases of sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths, where legal investigation is necessary. This type of autopsy seeks to determine the cause and manner of death in relation to legal issues, such as homicide or accidental death, and often provides crucial evidence for criminal investigations.

The differentiation between clinical and forensic autopsies highlights their distinct purposes and methodologies, making this pairing the correct choice regarding the primary types of autopsies. This classification provides clarity on the objectives and settings in which these types of autopsies occur, emphasizing their significance in both medical and legal contexts.