Final answer:
An autopsy can be used to determine cause in a natural death, with a forensic pathologist making the final determination supported by information provided by a forensic anthropologist. In cases where medical conditions or mistakes result in death, such as an incorrect isotonic solution leading to hemolysis, an autopsy reveals these underlying issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, an autopsy can be used to determine the cause in a natural death. A forensic pathologist, who is specialized in examining bodies to determine the cause of death, undertakes this process. The role of a forensic anthropologist is to support the pathologist by providing insights on human remains using techniques like archaeological excavation, hair examination, and the study of skeletal and dental evidence.
However, while the forensic anthropologist contributes valuable information, it is the forensic pathologist who ultimately makes the final determination of the cause of death, whether natural or otherwise.
In cases where a doctor has injected a patient with what was believed to be an isotonic saline solution leading to death and the destruction of red blood cells, an autopsy can reveal such medical mistakes or accidents. This would imply that the solution was not isotonic, as a true isotonic solution would not cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).