Embalming Theory 2 - Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to embalming theory, including discolorations, antemortem and postmortem conditions, treatments, and various unnatural conditions encountered in embalming practice.

Antemortem

Discolorations that occurred before death.

Postmortem

Discolorations that occurred after death.

Intravascular

Discoloration is still within the vascular system and will be removed with arterial embalming.

Extravascular

Discoloration has broken through the vascular system and is now in the interstitial space; it will NOT clear with arterial embalming.

Livor Mortis

A bluish-purple color caused by gravitation of blood into the dependent capillaries (Postmortem, Intravascular).

Lividity (Hypostasis)

A bluish/purple color (Antemortem, Intravascular).

Carbon Monoxide

Cherry red color (Antemortem, Intravascular).

Ecchymosis

Discoloration of the skin caused by the escape of blood into the tissues; described as large and purple (Antemortem, Extravascular).

Purpura

Reddish-purple discoloration, medium in size (Antemortem, Extravascular).

Petechia

Reddish, small pinpoint discolorations (Antemortem, Extravascular).

Hematoma

A swelling or mass of blood caused by a ruptured blood vessel, confined to an organ or space (Antemortem, Extravascular).

Postmortem Stain (PMS)

Caused by heme that is released by hemolysis of red blood cells, which then seeps through the vessel walls into the tissues (Postmortem, Extravascular).

Tardieu spots

Petechia caused by blood settling into tissues, often accompanied by livor mortis and potentially linked to asphyxiation or strangulation (Postmortem, Extravascular).

Embalmers Grey (Formaldehyde Grey)

Grayish tissues caused by insufficient blood removal; left-over heme reacts with formaldehyde.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin, occurring when bilirubin levels exceed 1.5 mg per 100 ml of blood.

Flushing

Looks like swelling and cyanosis; caused by poor drainage and clotting.

Initial Decomposition Color Change

Decomposition discoloration that first appears as a green color in the right inguinal region of the abdomen due to hydrogen sulfide reacting with hemoglobin.

Skin Lesions

Any pathological or traumatic change in skin structure.

Desquamation (Skin Slip)

Separation of the epidermis from the dermis due to putrefaction.

Exsanguination

Extreme blood loss, characterized by lack of color.

Fluid Accumulation (Edema)

Abnormal collection of fluids in tissue spaces, serous cavities, or both.

Intracellular (Cellular Solid) Edema

Moisture is within the cells. NOT pitting edema. Will NOT respond to arterial injection. Usually in the face.

Intercellular (Pitting) Edema

Fluid is between the cells. Can easily be manipulated by the embalmer. Treated with gravity methods and/or arterial injection.

Anasarca

Generalized (Skeletal) Edema.

Ascites

Edema in the abdominal area; not connected to the arterial system.

Hydrothorax

Edema in the pleural cavity.

Hydrocephalus

Edema in the cranial cavity.

Hydropericardium

Edema in the pericardial sac.

Hydrocele

Edema in the scrotum.