IPLUSO 19557

Thanatology and Fetopathology

• ApresentaçãoPresentation

  The Curricular Unit of Thanatology and Fetopathology provides fundamental knowledge on the biological, pathological, technical and legal aspects associated with human death, autopsy practice and fetopathological diagnosis. It addresses the principles of Thanatology, the different types of autopsies, biosafety standards, procedures for the collection of biological samples, and the fundamentals of Fetopathology applied to the study of fetal and perinatal pathology. By integrating knowledge previously acquired in Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Genetics, and Physiopathology, it contributes to the development of the technical and scientific competencies required for participation in Anatomical Pathology activities, laboratory diagnostics, and biomedical research. Its relevance within the study programme lies in preparing students for professional practice in hospital and medico-legal settings.
• ProgramaProgramme

  Thanatology Past, present and future Verification and certification of death Types of autopsy: legislation, objectives, role of professionals Autopsy room: legislation, personal protective material and equipment, hygiene and safety Autopsy techniques External and internal examination in forensic and clinical autopsies Collection, storage and transport of biological specimens for complementary exams Fetopathology Normal fetal development Fetal and perinatal pathology. Congenital malformations Fetal autopsy. The contribution of fetal autopsy to prenatal diagnosis and diagnostic quality assurance
• ObjectivosObjectives

  Upon successful completion of this curricular unit, students should be able to: Use appropriate scientific and technical terminology in Thanatology and Fetopathology. Apply biosafety, hygiene, safety and professional conduct standards in the autopsy setting. Differentiate the various types of autopsies and their respective legal frameworks. Identify and describe the main thanatological techniques and procedures. Select appropriate autopsy procedures according to clinical or medico-legal objectives. Perform the collection, handling, preservation and transportation of biological specimens for ancillary diagnostic testing. Recognise the role of Fetopathology in the investigation of fetal and perinatal pathology and in the quality assurance of prenatal diagnosis. Integrate knowledge from Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Genetics and Physiopathology to interpret situations related to death and fetal pathology.
• BibliografiaBibliography

  Connolly, A. J., Finkbeiner, W. E., Ursell, P. C., & Davis, R. L. (2015). Autopsy pathology: A manual and atlas (3rd ed.). Elsevier. Khong, T. Y., & Malcomson, R. D. G. (Eds.). (2022). Keeling's fetal and neonatal pathology (6th ed.). Springer. Martinovic, J. (2021). Practical manual of fetal pathology. Springer. Miller, D. V., & Fyfe, B. S. (2024). Diagnostic pathology: Hospital autopsy (2nd ed.). Elsevier. Pollak, S., Saukko, P., & Knight, B. (2026). Knight's forensic pathology (5th ed.). CRC Press. Sheaff, M. T., & Hopster, D. J. (2005). Post mortem technique handbook (2nd ed.). Springer.
• MetodologiaMethodology

  The Curricular Unit is based on a student-centred teaching approach, combining expository and participatory strategies. It includes lectures supported by audiovisual and multimedia resources for the presentation of the scientific, technical and legal foundations of Thanatology and Fetopathology; practical classes involving the analysis and discussion of clinical and anatomopathological cases; Team-Based Learning (TBL), promoting collaborative problem-solving; critical appraisal of scientific articles and technical-scientific documents; group assignments aimed at developing research, scientific communication and critical thinking skills; and a visit to a Pathology Department, fostering students' exposure to the professional environment.
• LínguaLanguage

  Português
• TipoType

  Semestral
• ECTS

  5
• NaturezaNature

  Mandatory
• EstágioInternship

  Não