Vascular Considerations in Embalming

Three divisions of the circulatory system in post-mortem care

Arterial, Venous, and Lymphatic systems.

Functions of arterial injection solutions

Delivery of preservative/disinfectant solutions, dyes, and emollients.

Components of vascular drainage

Blood, body fluids, and wastes.

Three tunics (coats) of blood vessels

Tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia/externa.

Vasa vasorum

Small blood vessels that supply the walls of larger blood vessels.

Tunica externa composition

Loose fibrous connective tissue.

Tunica media composition

Smooth muscle.

Tunica intima composition

Endothelium lining the lumen with elastic fibers/elastin.

Aorta and large arteries during systole and diastole

Systole causes expansion; diastole causes recoil due to many elastin layers.

Arteriovenous anastomoses

Also known as metarterioles; direct connections to venules that bypass capillaries.

Capillary anatomy and function

One cell layer thick, over 40 billion present, allowing rapid delivery and extensive exchange surfaces.

Pre-capillary sphincter muscles

Muscles that control blood flow into capillaries.

Characteristics of veins compared to arteries

Outnumber arteries, contain valves, have anastomoses, large capacity, and utilize the skeletal muscle pump.

Lymph capillaries

Originate in intercellular spaces with highly permeable walls; inadequate drainage leads to edema.

Post-mortem blood volume composition

Plasma (approx. 55% total volume, 90% water) and formed elements/cellular (approx. 45%).

Linear Guide

An imaginary line visualized or drawn on the skin surface to represent the approximate location of a deeper structure.

Linear Guide for the Common Carotid Artery

A point from the sternoclavicular articulation to the anterior surface of the ear lobe.

Anatomical Guide

A method of locating a structure by reference to an adjacent known prominent structure.

Anatomical Guide for the Common Carotid Artery

Along the medial border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Anatomical Limit

The point of origin and point of termination of a structure in relation to an adjacent structure.

Anatomical limit of the right common carotid artery

Begins at the level of the sternoclavicular articulation and extends to the upper border of the thyroid cartilage.

Anatomical limit of the left common carotid artery

Begins at the level of the 2nd costal cartilage and extends to the upper border of the thyroid cartilage.

Types of vascular incisions

Transverse, diagonal, longitudinal, T-incision, and triangular/wedge.

Baseball suture

A strong closure that pulls tissues upward into a ridge, using an S-curved needle and heavy ligature.

Single intradermal suture

Used on exposed areas; needle is directed through the subcutaneous tissue only, not through the skin itself.

Double intradermal suture

Uses two needles crossed at each stitch for a tight, leak-proof closure, though it creates an unattractive surface ridge.

Whip (roll) suture

A continuous and temporary suture used to bring and hold the lips of an incision together.

Purse-string suture

Made around the circumference of a circular opening or puncture.