Distribution and Diffusion Quiz

Arterial embalming is also considered

Capillary embalming

Capillaries

The bridge between the vascular system in tissues (the smallest network of the vascular system)

Why does embalming work?

The embalming solution makes contact with cellular proteins where they become stable resulting in temporary preservation of the human body

Fluid diffusion

The movement of fluid from intravascular to extravascular location

Where does excess solution go?

Any solution that does not diffuse into the tissues remains in the vascular system and remains in the vascular system and remains with blood drainage out of the venous system

The four functions of the arterial (vascular) embalming unified process are

Delivery, distribution, diffusion, drainage

Delivery

Solution passes from machine through tube, through arterial tube and into desired artery

Distribution

Embalming solution enters the arterial system and enters into the capillaries

Diffusion

The embalming solution passed from the capillaries in to the surrounding tissues

Drainage

Fluid (blood, interstitial, lymphatic fluids, and residual embalming fluid) passes through the venous system and is drained from the body

Interstitial fluid

A clear, watery substance that fills the spaces between cells and tissues throughout the body

When living interstitial fluid-

Transports nutrients and oxygen carried by blood to the bodies cells and also removes waste and returns it to the vascular system (blood remains in the vascular system and never comes into contact with tissue cells)

When dead interstitial fluid-

Our embalming solution works in a similar way- some solution that enters the capillaries will pass through to the interstitial fluid and penetrate the cells

Retained arterial solution

The fluid that passes through to the cells

Embalming solution should accomplish

Temporary Preservation, sanitization, restoration

How should the embalming solution be delivered?

Under pressure to combat intravascular resistances and extravascular resistances

Arterial solution injection

Embalming solution passes through the large central trunk of the aorta --> atrial branches --> arterial system expands once solution has reached this point (once capillaries have received the solution, less pressure is needed to force fluid through the narrow arteries)

Pressure filtration

Pressurized injection that creates a passive physical transport responsible for diffusion into tissues

Intravascular pressure

Causes expansion of elastic arteries

Arterial solution at the microcirculatory level can proceed into three different routes-

1. Portion passes into the capillaries, and the solution makes it through the capillary walls to the surrounding tissues

2. The solution that remains in the capillaries flows to the venules and helps remove blood, and is drained from the body

3. The solution does not make it to the capillaries and flows through the direct connection between arterioles and venules, then being drained from the body

Death during physical activity

Vasodilation of capillaries in used muscles- allows embalmer a slightly larger volume solution without causing immediate of tissues

Blood drained from average body equals

1/2 or more of the total volume of arterial solution injected

Important variables embalmer needs to factor in for proper preservation

Injection pressure (psi), speed of delivery (rate of flow), fluid to body ratio (1:50) and strength

Factors embalmer needs to consider while prepping that can cause uneven distribution of the solution

Diameters of the arteries, arterial tube, delivery hose (appropriate size for all)

Narrowing of the lumen can be caused by

Settled blood

postmortem coagula

Antemortem emboli

Antemortem thrombi

Arteriosclerosis

Vasoconstriction

Intravasc rigor

Rigor mortis of smooth muscles

To keep stationary clots from breaking loose use

lower pressure then increase once circulation has been established

When issues are present

Use carotid arteries (face and hands most important)

Extravascular resistance

Rigor

Gas

Expansion of hollow viscera

Tumors and swollen lymph nodes

Ascites/hydrothorax

Contact pressure

visceral weight

bandages

skeletal edema

inflamation

Things to remember

Gas- puncture, expansion- puncture, Tumors/lymph nodes- massage/pulse, hydrothorax/ascities- puncture