Concept in Definition ABC

A morgue is that dependence in which corpses are guarded before being buried or permanently cremated. In other words, it is a morgue.

All those bodies that have not been initially identified are transferred to a morgue and there they remain awaiting their recognition by a relative.

Also, these dependencies are used in those cases in which the identity of the corpse but it is necessary to perform an autopsy of the same to decide the causes of death. What criterion Generally, morgues are located in hospitals or on cemetery premises.

From a historical point of view the precedent of the current morgues is found in the civilization from Ancient Egypt, where corpses were already being manipulated into mummies in the so-called houses of death.

Types of morgues and peculiarities

Although this type of enclosure is used as a morgue for autopsies, not all autopsies have the same purpose, since some are related to a judicial process and others have a strictly clinical interest.

A morgue must have refrigeration equipment so that corpses do not decompose and are kept at a temperature adequate. On the other hand, in these establishments rigorous hygienic criteria are prescribed to avoid possible infections and, at the same time, a signaling system is established to identify corpses correctly.

Distinction between morgue and mortuary

Although there are deceased persons in both establishments, they are different dependencies. The purpose of a funeral home is to provide a space for the funeral of the deceased, while A morgue is simply a morgue and no act of fired.

An analysis on the etymological evolution of the term

The word morgue comes from French and was originally used to refer to the character severe and unfriendly of an individual.

Over time it was used to mention the place where the prisoners were waiting before being recognized by the prison guards.

Finally, the definitive meaning was incorporated and a morgue became the dependency destined to guard the corpses while waiting for them to be recognized by a relative or person close friend.

Photos: Fotolia - Fergregory / Miguel Aguirre