Final answer:
Samples of body fluids and organs during an autopsy are taken to determine the cause of death and understand any contributing disease processes or injuries, with applications in toxicology, histology, pathology, and genetic testing.
Step-by-step explanation:
During an autopsy, samples of body fluids and organs are taken primarily to determine the cause of death and to understand any disease processes or injuries that may have contributed to the death. These samples are vital for toxicology, histology, pathology, and sometimes genetic testing. They can reveal the presence of chemicals, such as drugs or poisons, shed light on the microscopic structure of tissues, and help identify infectious or chronic diseases. Additionally, analyzing organ samples can help forensic pathologists understand how different areas of the body may have been affected by diseases or trauma. This practice has evolved from the early days of anatomy studies, which were restricted by societal fears and legal limits, through to modern medical research that seeks to learn from the deceased to improve knowledge and treatments for the living.