Reflecting the Scalp

In an American autopsy, the scalp is reflected over the face and a Stryker saw is used to cut around the skull to remove the brain. In practice, the brain is not replaced, but the skull cavity filled with crumpled newspaper or sawdust. This is not necessarily done by a physician, but a trained layman, or autopsy assistant.

I've always enjoyed watching the scalp pulled from the skull and down over the face. Both on the autopsy table and in the field, by cartel torturers.