Which action is typically performed during an autopsy?

Sampling bodily fluids is a crucial action performed during an autopsy because it helps forensic pathologists gather essential evidence and information about the deceased's health, cause of death, and any substances present in the body. This process may include collecting blood, urine, and other bodily fluids to conduct toxicology tests, which can reveal the presence of drugs, alcohol, or other poisons that may have contributed to the individual's death. Analyzing bodily fluids can also provide insights into possible diseases, infections, or other medical conditions.

In contrast, evaluating personal belongings, cross-examining witnesses, and interviewing family members are actions more typically associated with criminal investigations rather than the autopsy process itself. While these activities are important in establishing context for a case, they occur outside of the autopsy and do not directly assess the physical state of the body or its internal health indicators.