Embaling Processes and Principles: Injection, Distribution, Diffusion, Drainage

What are the four processes that take place during embalming?

Injection (Delivery), Distribution, Diffusion, Drainage

What is the purpose of Injection (Delivery) in embalming?

To deliver the embalming solution from the embalming machine into the artery.

Define Distribution in the context of embalming.

The movement of arterial solution from the point of injection throughout the arterial system.

What is Diffusion in embalming?

The movement of arterial solution from inside the vascular system through the walls of the capillaries to the tissues.

What does Drainage refer to in the embalming process?

The displacement and discharge of blood, blood clots, embalming solution, interstitial and lymphatic fluids from the body.

What percentage of arterial solution typically exits the body as drainage?

50% or more.

What are some causes of Intravascular Resistance?

Arteriosclerotic narrowing, thrombosis, embolism, postmortem coagula, vasoconstriction, and inflammation of vessels.

How can embalmers overcome Intravascular Resistance?

By using sufficient pressure and rate of flow, sectional embalming, and using the largest artery available.

List some causes of Extravascular Resistance.

Rigor mortis, gas in cavities, tumors, swollen lymph nodes, ascites, hydrothorax, contact pressure, visceral weight, bandages, and skeletal edema.

Why is some arterial resistance beneficial during embalming?

Vascular pressure is needed for diffusion; without it, embalming solution would pass directly into the venous system.

What indicates that the embalming solution is being distributed through the vascular system?

The volume in the tank of the embalming machine is decreasing and pressure readings decrease when flow is opened.

What is Injection Pressure?

The amount of pressure produced by an injection device to overcome initial resistance within the vascular system.

Define Ideal Pressure in embalming.

The pressure needed to overcome the vascular resistances of the body to distribute the embalming solution to all areas.

What is Potential Pressure?

Pressure indicated by the injector gauge needle when the injector motor is running and the arterial tubing is clamped off.

What is Actual Pressure in the context of embalming?

The pressure indicated by the injector gauge needle when the arterial tube is open and the arterial solution is flowing into the body.

What is Differential Pressure?

The difference between potential pressure and actual pressure, indicating the rate of flow.

How does increasing the rate of flow affect pressure in the embalming process?

Increasing the rate of flow increases pressure, causing the liquid to exit the pipe more forcefully.

What happens to pressure when a drainage point is created?

Pressure decreases until it reaches the open vascular resistance.

What is the Rate of Flow?

The amount per unit of time flowing through the body.

Explain the relationship between pressure and rate of flow.

Pressure is the force exerted on an area, while rate of flow is the amount passing through per unit of time.

What happens to the water exiting a pipe when the flow rate increases?

The water will exit the pipe more forcefully.

What can occur if the rate of flow exceeds the body's ability to accept a solution?

Swelling of body tissues.

How can pressure be increased without increasing the rate of flow?

By injecting a low rate of flow at high pressure.

What is the center of distribution for arterial solution?

Arch of the Aorta.

What are some signs of arterial solution distribution?

Observation of active dye, distension of superficial blood vessels, blood drainage, and loss of skin elasticity.

What should embalmers observe before arterial injection?

Conditions of the tissues such as livor mortis, rigor mortis, and skin discolorations.

What is a good practice for ensuring sufficient arterial solution distribution?

Using several signs of distribution.

How can arterial distribution be improved?

By firm massage, injection with pulsation, and temporarily increasing pressure or flow rate.

What is the goal of capillary embalming?

To have arterial solution diffuse from capillaries to interstitial spaces.

What is a passive transport system in the context of embalming?

A system that requires no energy for diffusion to occur.

What is diffusion in the context of arterial solution?

The process where blood nutrients and oxygen pass through capillary walls into interstitial fluid.

What is pressure filtration?

A process caused by intravascular pressure that allows solutes and solvents to pass through capillary walls.

What is osmosis?

A passive transport mechanism where solvent moves through a semipermeable membrane from a dilute to a concentrated solution.

What occurs with a hypotonic solution?

Water moves into the interstitial tissues.

What is osmotic pressure?

The hydrostatic pressure produced by a concentration difference across a semipermeable membrane.

What is dialysis?

The diffusion of dissolved crystalloid solutes through a semipermeable membrane.

What solutes can pass through a cell membrane during dialysis?

Crystalloids (small solutes) can pass, while colloids (big solutes) cannot.

What is gravity filtration?

The extravascular settling of embalming solution into dependent areas of the body by gravitational force.

What areas of the body are affected by gravity filtration?

Lower back, buttocks, backs of arms, backs of legs, and shoulders.

What are signs of diffusion in tissues?

Loss of skin elasticity, firming of deep tissues, and mottling of tissues.