Path 2 Embalming & Postmortem Procedures

What is embalming?

A process of chemically treating human remains to reduce microorganisms, slow decomposition, and restore appearance.

What are the three primary goals of embalming?

Decrease bacteria, slow decomposition, and restore a more natural appearance.

What is another important responsibility of the embalmer not listed in the official definition?

Protecting the public.

What is the first step in the embalming process?

Begin a case analysis.

What is case analysis?

A summary of all observable conditions on the body such as discolorations, pathologies, tattoos, etc.

What must be disinfected at the beginning of the embalming process?

The surface and orifices of the body.

What does "setting the features" involve?

Closing the mouth and eyes, and positioning the face properly.

Where is arterial fluid injected?

Into an artery.

Where is blood drained from during embalming?

From a vein.

How does embalming fluid reach the tissues?

Through capillaries from arteries and then into veins to displace blood.

What is aspiration?

Using suction and a hollow needle to remove contents from the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities.

What is cavity injection?

Injecting preservative fluid into the body cavities after aspiration.

What are examples of additional treatments?

Treating lesions, suturing wounds, disinfecting skin conditions, and doing restorative work.

What is the final physical preparation step?

Bathe the decedent.

What is the final goal of the embalming process?

Prepare the body for services or disposition.

What is edema?

Abnormal fluid accumulation in tissue or body cavities.

What is anasarca?

Generalized edema in the subcutaneous tissue.

What is ascites?

Free fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

What is a hydrocele?

Fluid collection in a sac-like body cavity.

What is hydrothorax?

Fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity.

What is discoloration?

Any abnormal color on or in the body.

What is the skin appearance in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?

Cherry red.

What is cyanosis?

Bluish skin or mucous membrane due to low oxygen.

What is petechia?

Antemortem, pinpoint extravascular hemorrhaging of the skin.

What is pigmentation?

Normal or pathological coloration of skin or tissues.

What is purpura?

Spontaneous bleeding into subcutaneous tissue, forming purple patches.

What is jaundice?

Yellowing of tissues from excess bilirubin.

What is lividity?

Intravascular red-blue discoloration from blood settling.

What are Tardieu spots?

Postmortem extravascular blood spots from ruptured vessels in dependent areas.

What is livor mortis?

Discoloration from blood gravitating to lower body parts.

What is postmortem stain?

Extravascular blue-red discoloration after death.

What is dehydration (postmortem)?

Loss of moisture from body tissues.

What is emaciation?

Severe wasting of body tissues.

What is necrosis?

Pathological death of cells, tissues, or organs within a living body.

What is nitrogenous waste and why is it important in embalming?

Substances like urea and uric acid that neutralize formaldehyde.

What is purge?

Postmortem expulsion of fluids from orifices due to internal pressure.

Is embalming always required for body preparation?

No, other methods may be used for viewing or burial.

What are alternatives to embalming for identification viewings?

Surface disinfection, non-invasive feature setting, and bathing.

What is Ghusl in Islam?

A ritual where same-sex family members wash the body.

What is Tahara in Judaism?

A ritual performed by the Chevra Kadisha to wash the body.

What is the Hindu pre-burial washing ritual?

The body is washed with ghee, milk, honey, and yogurt; essential oils are applied to the forehead.

What is critical to public safety even when not embalming?

Thorough disinfection of the body and orifices.

Is aspiration allowed in all religious or green burials?

No, it may or may not be permitted.

Why are postmortem procedures important in embalming?

They affect embalming techniques and often require special preparation.

What are examples of postmortem procedures?

Autopsies, anatomical gifts, organ and tissue donations.

What does "donating a body to science" mean?

It refers to anatomical gifting for research, education, or transplantation.

What is an autopsy?

A postmortem exam of organs/tissues to determine cause of death or disease.

What are the incisions in a full autopsy?

A Y-shaped chest incision and a cranial incision from ear to ear.

How many injection sites are typical in a full autopsy?

Six or more.

What must be done with the organs in an autopsy case?

Treat them separately.

What type of postmortem work involves extensive suturing?

Autopsies and tissue/organ donation cases.

What is medicolegal (forensic) pathology?

Study of disease to determine legal cause and manner of death.

Who is a medical examiner?

An appointed official with a medical degree who investigates unexplained deaths.

Who is a coroner?

An elected official (with or without medical training) who investigates deaths.

What is procurement?

The recovery of organs or tissues from a cadaver for transplantation.

What organs can be procured?

Ranges from corneas to heart and lungs.

How does procurement affect embalming?

It changes the procedure—may require multiple injection sites, hypodermic injection, and surface treatment.

What tissues can be donated?

Skin, muscle, and bone tissue.

What is required for areas where tissue was donated?

Extensive suture work and surface treatments.

What are anatomical gift programs?

Usually nonprofit programs that supply cadavers to medical schools.

How are cadavers usually prepared for anatomical donation?

Arterial embalming only; no drainage or aspiration.

What might be done to conceal identity in anatomical gift programs?

Procedures like head shaving may be used.