Which of the following is NOT considered a common artifact in forensic pathology?

Body identification photos are not considered a common artifact in forensic pathology because they serve a specific purpose in documenting the condition of the body and its surroundings at the time of examination. Unlike artifacts, which are typically unwanted or extraneous features that may obscure or distort the interpretation of forensic findings, identification photos provide valuable context and information that support forensic analysis.

In contrast, environmental factors, handling of the body, and decomposition changes can introduce artifacts that complicate the examination process. Environmental factors may alter the condition of the body and affect the integrity of evidence. Handling the body improperly can lead to additional marks or damage, which could misrepresent the cause or manner of death. Decomposition changes can result in various postmortem alterations that might interfere with assessments related to time of death or injury analysis. Together, these issues highlight the importance of careful handling and environmental control in forensic investigations to maintain the accuracy of findings.