What is a key consideration in the order of external examination during autopsies?

In the context of an autopsy, a key consideration in the order of external examination is injury assessment. This step is crucial because it allows the forensic pathologist to identify and document any wounds, bruises, or other signs of trauma on the body. The external examination provides vital information not only about the nature and extent of injuries but also helps to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

Careful attention to the injuries can uncover important details such as the type of weapon used, the possible manner of death (homicide, suicide, accident), and the potential for defensive wounds, which can indicate the victim's response to an attack.

While other factors like organ functionality and body positioning are significant in understanding the overall health and circumstances of the deceased, they usually take a secondary role in the immediate context of assessing the injuries. Time of death estimation adds to the investigative picture but does not typically influence the initial internal priorities of the external examination. This makes injury assessment the focal point during the external inspection of an autopsy.