The Y-incision used in autopsy is best described as which of the following?

• A. A straight midline incision from neck to pelvis
• B. A Y-shaped incision made from the chest to abdomen to permit examination of internal organs
• C. A curved incision along the rib cage
• D. A transverse incision across the abdomen

Answer: (B)

The main idea is obtaining wide exposure to the thoracic and abdominal cavities during an autopsy. The Y-incision is a thoracoabdominal cut that forms a Y shape, starting across the chest and extending to the abdomen so the chest and abdominal organs can be opened and viewed accessibly in one maneuver. This design lets the examiner inspect or remove the heart, lungs, liver, stomach, intestines, and other organs thoroughly without missing areas, which is essential for determining cause of death and assessing injuries.

That’s why the Y-shaped incision made from the chest to the abdomen best fits. The other options describe incisions that don’t provide the same comprehensive exposure: a straight midline cut doesn’t create the same combined chest-and-abdomen exposure in a single flap; a curved incision along the rib cage limits access to parts of the organs; a transverse incision across the abdomen omits the thoracic cavity entirely.