What does the post-mortem interval (PMI) help establish in relation to an autopsy?

The post-mortem interval (PMI) is a critical factor in forensic pathology as it provides an estimation of the time that has elapsed since an individual has died. This assessment can be made through various methods, including evaluating rigor mortis, liver temperature, decomposition stages, and insect activity, among other variables. Understanding the PMI helps investigators piece together the timeline of events leading up to death, which is vital for both forensic analysis and any subsequent legal proceedings.

In contrast, while establishing the identity of the deceased might include consideration of time of death, it primarily relies on identification methods such as fingerprints or dental records. The legal rights of the family pertain more to legal considerations after death rather than the specifics of the autopsy. Moreover, while the cause of death is a crucial outcome of an autopsy, the PMI specifically relates to determining how long it has been since death occurred rather than diagnosing the conditions leading to death. Hence, the correct link to the function of PMI within the context of an autopsy is its role in estimating the time since death.