Which of the following roles traditionally conducts an autopsy?

The role that traditionally conducts an autopsy is the pathologist. A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis of disease through the examination of tissues, cells, and organs. In the context of death investigations, pathologists perform autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death. They analyze post-mortem findings and contribute essential insights into medical and legal issues associated with unexpected or unexplained deaths.

Pathologists have extensive training in anatomy and disease processes, allowing them to interpret findings from autopsies accurately. This makes them integral in both clinical and forensic settings. In forensic pathology, they work closely with law enforcement agencies and legal professionals to provide expert testimony and support investigations into criminal activities or accidental deaths.

While coroners also play a role in death investigations, their primary function varies by jurisdiction and may not include performing autopsies themselves. In many areas, coroners may be responsible for determining the necessity of an autopsy but rely on pathologists to perform the actual procedure. Forensic scientists analyze evidence collected from crime scenes but do not conduct autopsies. Medical investigators often support the investigative process but are not typically the ones performing autopsies either.

Thus, understanding the specific qualifications and roles of medical professionals in the context