embalming theory glossary terms Flashcards
period immediately before somatic death
agonal period
post-mortem cooling of the body to the surrounding temperature
algor mortis
method of injection-drainage which embalming solution is injected and then the injection is stopped while drainage is open
alternate drainage
in the absence of free oxygen
anareobic
severe generalized edema
anasarca
a descriptive reference for locating arteries and veins by means of anatomical structures which are known
anatomical guide
points of origin and points of termination in relation to adjacent structures; used to designate the boundaries for arteries
anatomical limits
the body is erect, feet together, palms facing forward and thumbs are pointed away from the body
anatomical position
localized abnormal dilation of outpocketing of a blood vessel resulting from a congenital defect or weakness of the vessel wall
aneurysm
an embalming instrument that is used for blunt dissection and in raising vessels
aneurysm hook
an embalming instrument that is used for blunt dissection and in raising vessels, which has an eye in the hook portion of the instrument for placing ligatures around the vessels
aneurysm needle
before death
antemortem
toward the frontj
anterior
the concentrated, preservative, embalming chemical that will be diluted with water to form the arterial solution for injection into the arterial system during vascular embalming. the purpose is for inactivating saprophytic bacteria and rendering the body tissues less susceptible to decompositon
arterial (vascular) fluid
the mixture of arterial (vascular) fluid and water which is used for the arterial injection and may include supplemental fluids
arterial solution
a tube used to inject embalming fluid into the body vascular system
arterial tube
accumulation of serous fluids in the peritoneal cavity
ascites
insufficient intake of oxygen resulting from numerous causes
asphyxia
withdrawal of gas, fluids, and semi-solids from the body cavities and hollow viscera by means of suction with an aspirator and a trocar
aspiration
self destruction of cells; decomposition of all tissues by enzymes of their own formation without microbial assistance
autolysis
a postmortem examination of the organs and tissues of a body to determine cause of death or pathological condition; a necropsy
autopsy
the arm pit
base of the axillary space
biological agent or condition that constitutes a hazard to humans
biohazard
irreversible somatic death
biological death
a chemical which lightens a skin discoloration
bleaching agent
discolorations resulting from changes in blood composition content or location, either intravascularly or extravascularly
blood discoloration
circulatory network composed of the heart, arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins
blood vascular system
tissue that circulates through the vascular system and is composed of approximately 22% of solids and 78% water
blood
individual stitch knotted at the tissue edge; maybe applied prior to embalming to align tissues
bridge suture (temporary interrupted suture)
an chemical which affects the stabilization of the acid-base (ph) balance within embalming solutions and in embalmed tissues
buffers
a prolongation of the last violent contraction of the muscles into the rigidity of death
cadaveric spasm
the dome-like superior portion of the cranium; that portion removed during cranial autopsy
calvarium
a device used as a means of fastening the calvarium after a cranial autopsy
calvarium clamp
minute blood vessels, the walls of which comprise a single layer of endothelial cells. Connects to smallest arteries and veins
capillaries
a cancer-causing chemical or material
carcinogen
direct treatment, other than vascular (arterial) injection, of the contents of the body cavities and the lumina of the hollow viscera; usually accomplished by aspiration and injection
cavity embalming
embalming chemicals which are injected into the cavities of the body following the aspiration in cavity embalming.
cavity fluid
death of the individual cells of the body
cellular death
ascending and/or arch of the aorta
center of fluid distribution
right atrium of the heart
center of venous drainage
embalming machine that uses an electrical pump to create pressure either pulsating or non-pulsating
centrifugal force machine
a phase of somatic death lasting from 5-6 minutes during which life may be restored
clinical death
chemical and physical agents that bring about coagulation
coagulating agents
a fluid used primarily to supplement and enhance the action and enhance the action of vascular (arterial) solutions
coinfection fluid
the process of converting soluble protein to insoluble protien by heating or contact with a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde. the solidification of a sol into a gelatinous mass
coagulation
disease that may be transmitted either directly or indirectly between individuals by an infectious agents
communicable disease
method of drainage in which drainage occurs continuously during vascular (arterial) injection
concurrent drainage
any contaminated object that penetrate the skin including but not limited to, needles, scalpels, broken glass, and exposed ends of wires
contaminated sharps
embalming fluid that contains dyes and coloring agents intended to restore a more natural skin tone through the embalming process
cosmetic fluid
plastic garment designed to cover the body from the chest down to the upper thigh
coverall
thin, medial portion of the ethmoid bone of the skull
cribriform plate
decomposition of proteins by enzymes of aerobic bacteria
decay
seperation of compounds into simpler substances by the action of microbial and/or autolytic enzymes
decomposition
irreversible cessation of all vital functions
death
loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem
dehydration
process of drying out
desiccation
sloughing off of the epidermis, wherein there is a separation of the epidermis from the underlying dermis formally reffered to as skin slip
desquamation
the difference between potential and actual pressure
differential pressure
the movement of molecules or other particles in solution from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration until uniform concentration is reached
diffusion
any abnormal color in or upon the human body
discoloration
an agent, usually chemical applied to inanimate objects/surfaces to destroy disease causing microbial agents, but usually not bacterial spores
disinfectant
the movement of embalming solutions from the point of injection throughout the arterial system and into the capillaries
distribution
tubular instrument of varying diameter and shape, preferably with a plunger that is inserted into a vein to aid in drainage of blood and to restrict the exit of vascular embalming solution
drain tube
discharge or withdrawal of blood, interstatial fluid and embalming fluids from the body during vascular embalming usually removed through a vein of the body
drainage
osha required safety device for a release of copious amount of water in a short time
drench shower
substances which will upon being dissolved, impart a definite color to the embalming solution . Capacity to impart color to the tissue of the body into which they are injected
dye (coloring agent)
extravasation of blood into a tissue; a bruise
ecchymosis
abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissue or body cavities
edema
a device that uses a motor to create a suction for the purpose of aspiration
electric aspirator
an electrically heated blade which may be used to dry moist tissue, reduce swollen tissue, and restore contour to natural form
electric spatula
to remove as by cutting out; the area from which something has been cut out
excision
any procedure used to prove a sign of death, usually performed by medical personnel
expert tests of death
outside the blood vascular system
extravascular
discoloration of the body outside the blood vascular system
extravascular blood discoloration
from outside the body
extrinsic
a product of decomposition of fats
fatty acids
bacterial decomposition of carbohydrates
fermentation
rigidity of tissue due to chemical reaction
firming
the act of making tissue rigid. the solidification of a compound
fixation
colorless, strong-smelling gas that when used in solution is a powerful preservative and disinfectant; a potential carcinogen
fromaldehyde/HCHO
grey discoloration of the body casued by the reaction of formaldehyde from the embalming process with hemoglobin to for methlhemoglobin
formaldehyde grey
necrosis, death of tissues of part of the body usually due to deficient or absent blood supply
gangrene
extravascular movement of preservative fluids by gravitational force to the dependent areas of the body
gravity filtration
apparatus used to inject arterial fluid during the vascular (arterial) phase of the embalming process; relies on gravity to create the pressure required to deliver the fluid (.43 pounds of pressure per one foot of elevation)
gravity injector
instrument used to guide drainage tubes into veins
groove director
water containing large amounts of mineral salts.
hard water
chemical in powder form that has the ability to absorb and to disinfect often used in cavity treatment of autopsied cases
hardening compounds
a swelling or mass of clotted blood confined to an organ or space caused by a ruptured blood vessel
hematoma
the non protien portion of hemoglobin; the red pigment of the hemoglobin
heme
a severe infectious blood borne virus
hepatitis B
chemical that increases the ability of embalmed tissue to retain moisture
humectant
apparatus that is connected to the water supply; when the water is turned on a suction is developed and is used to aspirate the contents of the body’s cavities
hydroaspirator
a solution having a greater concentration of dissolved solute that the solution to which it is compared
hypertonic solution
injection of embalming chemicals directly into the tissues through the use of a syringe and needle or a trocar
hypodermic embalming
settling of blood and/or fluids to dependent portions of the body
hypostasis
a solution having a lesser concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared
hypotonic solution
absorption of the fluid portion of blood by the tissues after death resulting in postmortem edema
imbibition
a clean cut made with a sharp instrument; in embalming a cut made with a scalpel to raise arteries and veins
incision
the strength of embalming fluids indicated by the number of grams of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100ml of water.
index
disease caused by the growth of a pathogenic microorganism in the body
infectious disease
from a given reference toward the feet
inferior
the act or instance of forcing a fluid into the vascular system or directly into tissues
injection
the amount of pressure produced by an injection device to overcome initial resistance within (intravascular) or on (extravascular) the vascular system (arterial or venous)
injection pressure
the immediate stiffening of the muscles of a dead human body
instantaneous rigor mortis
between the cells of a structure
intercellular
space between the ribs
itercostal space
method of drainage in which the drainage is stopped at intervals while the injection continues
intermittent drainage
within the blood vascular system
intravascular
discoloration of the body within the blood vascular system;
intravascular blood discoloration
pressure developed as the flow of embalming solution is established and the elastic arterial walls expand and then contract, resulting in filling of the capillary beds and development of pressure filtration
intravascular pressure
from within the body
intrinsic
a solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute to that of a standard of reference
isotonic solution
conditions characterized by excessive concentration of bilirubin in the skin and tissues and deposition of excessive bile pigment in the skin, cornea, body fluids, and mucous membranes with the resulting yellow appearance of the patient
jaundice (icterus)
a special vascular fluid with special bleaching and coloring qualities of use on bodies with jaundice; usually low in formaldehyde content
jaundice fluid
substance used to kill insect larvae
larvicide
away from midline
lateral
any change in structure produced during the course of a disease or injury
lesion
to tie off an artery and vein upon completion of embalming
ligate
a line drawn or visualized on the surface of the skin to represent the approximate location of some deeper-lying structure
linear guide
decomposition of fats
lipolysis
postmortem, intravascular, red-blue discoloration resulting from hypostasis
livor mortis/ cadaveric lividity
the cavity or opening of a vein, artery, or intestine
lumen
method of mouth closure in which a suture is passed through the septum of the nose and around the mandible
mandibular suture
manipulation of tissue in the course of preparation of the body
massage
this must accompany a hazardous product; a requirement of the department of labor and osha under the hazard communication standard
material safety data sheet/msds
toward the midline
medial
chemicals added to the embalming solution to deal with varying demands predicated upon the type of embalming the environment and the embalming fluid to be used
modifying agents
those agents which will prohibit the growth of mold
mold preventative
in a dying state; in the agonal period
moribund
a device used in the mouth to shape the contour of the lips
mouth former
vascular injection from two or more arteries
multipoint injection
method of mouth closure in which a suture is passed through the septum of the nose and through the mentalis muscle of the chin
musculature suture
space between the roof of the mouth and the floor of the cranial cavity
nasal cavity
embalming instrument used to aspirate throat by means of the nostrils
nasal tube aspirator
antemortem, physioloical death of the cells of the body followed by their replacement
necrobiosis
pathological death of a tissue still a part of the living organism
necrosis
inflammation of the kidneys
nephritis
metabolic by-products that contain nitrogen, such as urea and uric acid. these compounds have a high affinity for formaldehyde and tend to neutralize embalming chemicals
nitrogenous waste
a type of arterial fluid which contains inactive dyes that will not impart a color change upon the body tissues of the deceased
non-cosmetic fluid
injection and drainage from one lovation
one point injection
the passage of solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a semipermeable membrane
osmosis
embalming instrument used in filling the external orifices of the body
packing forceps
to examine by touch
palpate
incision on the surface of the skin to raise the common carotid arteries. it is made along the posterior border of the inferior one-third of the sternocledomastoid muscle
parrallel insision
antemortem discoloration that occurs during the course of certain diseases
pathological discoloration
chemicals found in embalming arterial formulations having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an unpleasant odor so that it is converted to a more pleasant one
perfuming agents (masking agents)
to force a fluid through (an organ or tissue), especially by way of the blood vessels; injection during vascular (arterial) embalming
perfusion
antemortem, pinpoint, extravascular blood discoloration visible as purplish hemorrhages of the skin
petechia
condition in which interstitial spaces contain such excessive amounts of fluid that the skin remains depressed after palpation
pitting edema
toward the back
posterior
period that begins after somatic death
postmortem
a change in the form or state of matter without any change in chemical composition
postmortem physical change
extravascular color change that occurs when heme, released by hemolysis of red blood cells, seeps through the vessel walls and into the body tissues
postmortem stain
the pressure indicated by the injector gauge needle when the injector motor is running and the arterial tubing is clamped off
potential pressure
fluid injected primarily to prepare the vascular system and body tissues for the injection of the preservative vascular (arterial) solution. This solution is injected before the preservative vascular solution is injected
preinjection fluid
that area or facility wherin embalming, dressing, cosmetizing, or other body preparation are effected
preparation room
the science of treating the body chemically so as to temporarily inhibit decomposition
preservation
chemicals which inactivate saprophytic bacteria, render unsuitable for nutrition the media upon which such bacteria thrive, and which will arrest decomposition by altering enzymes and lysins of the body as well as converting the decomposable tissue to form less susceptible to decomposition
preservative
chemical in powder form; typically used for surface embalming of the remains
preservative powder
the action of a force against an opposing force
pressure
positive intravascular pressure causing passage of embalming solution through the capillary wall to diffuse with the interstitial fluids; causing passage of embalming fluid from an intravascular to an extravascular position
pressure filtration
the dilution attained as the embalming solution is mixed in the embalming machine
primary dilution
disinfection carried out prior to the embalming process
primary disinfection
decomposition of protiens
proteolysis
postmortem evacuation of any substance from an external orifice of the body as a result of pressure
purge
liquid product of inflammation containing various proteins and leukocytes
pus
decomposition of proteins by the action of enzymes from anaerobic bacteria
putrefaction
speed at which solution is injected; measured in ounces per minute
rate of flow
a mark of desiccation
razor burn
substance that easily loses electrons and there-by causes other substances to be reduced; formaldehyde is a strong reducing agent
reducing agent
treatment of the deceased in the attempt to recreate natural form and color
restoration
supplemental fluid, used with the regular arterial solution whose purpose is to retain body moisture and retard dehydration
restorative fluid (humectant)
method of injection wherein both common carotid arteries are raised
restricted cervical injection
the right side of the heart seen as the center of drainage; used as a site of drainage via instruments from the right internal jugular vein
right atrium
postmortem stiffening of the body muscles by natural body processes
rigor mortis
a two piece embalming instrument consisting of a handle and a blade used to make incisions and excisions
scalpel
material used to provide a barrier or seal against any type of leakage of fluid or blood
sealing agents
weakening of the embalming solution by the fluids in the body, both vascular and interstitial
secondary dilution
osha required receptacle for proper disposal of sharps
sharps container
manifestation of death in the body
sign of death
an unstable salt usually produced in a aqueous solution and used as a bleaching and disinfecting agent
sodium hypochlorite
the substance that is dissolved in a solution
solute
a liquid holding another substance in solution
solvent
liquid containing dissolved substance
solution
death of the organism as a whole
somatic death
injection from one site and drainage from a seperate site
split injection
situated or occurring beneath the skin
subcutaneous
toward the surface
superficial
anatomically towards the head
superior
fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection
supplemental fluid
cloth, wet or dry, folded and applied firmly to a body part
surface compress
the direct contact of body tissues with embalming chemicals
surface embalming
a discoloration due to the deposit of matter on the skin surface. These discolorations may occur antemortem, during, or after embalming of the body;
surface discoloration
an absorbent material, compress, saturated with an embalming chemical and placed in direct contact with the tissue
surface pack
chemical that reduced the molecular cohesion of a liquid so it can flow through smaller apertures
surfactant
the science of treating the body chemically so as to temporarily inhibit decomposition
temporary preservation
institution of disinfection and decontamination measures after the preparation of the remains
terminal disinfection
study of death
thantology
disinfection of the surface of the body or an object
topical disinfection
lying at right angles to the long axis of the body
transverse
a line drawn or visualized on the surface of the body or a prominent anatomic structure used to locate internal structures during cavity embalming from a point of reference two inches to the left and two inches superior to the umbilicus
trocar guide
plastic garment designed to cover the entire body from the neck down to and including the feet
unionall
an approach to infection control. all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectous
universal precautions
the use of the blood vascular system of the body for temporary preservation, disinfection and restoration; accomplished through injection of embalming solutions into the arteries and drainage from the veins
vascular (arterial) embalming
liquids that serve as a solvent for the numerous ingredients that are incorporated into embalming fluids
vehicle
internal organs enclosed within a cavity
viscera
the resistance to the flow of a liquid; the thickness of a liquid
viscosity
an agent used to remove chemical constituents from municipal water supplies that could interfere with drainage and preservation
water conditioner
controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which a task is performed; prohibiting recapping of needles, and not allowing blood splatter or aerosolization of blood while draining during the embalming process
work practice controls
to touch or contact as with the tarsal plates of the closed eyelids
abut
group of chemicals used in addition to vascular (arterial) and cavity embalming fluids; includes but is not limited to hardening compounds, preservative powders, sealing agents, mold preventative agents, and pack application agents
accessory chemicals
that pressure which is indicated by the injector gauge needle when the arterial tube is open and the arterial solution is flowing into the body
actual pressure
in the presence of free oxygen
aerobic
the increase of viscosity of blood brought about by the clumping of particulate formed elements in the blood vessels
agglutination
decrease in body temperature immediately before death
agonal algor
in reference to blood, a change from a fluid into a thickened mass
agonal coagulation
the loss of moisture from the living body during the agonal state
agonal dehydration
escape of blood serum from an intravascular to an extravascular location immediately before death
agonal edema
increase in body temperature immediately before death
agonal fever
dimethyl ketone; colorless liquid used to soften and remove scabs
acetone
the act of coagulating blood and destroying tissue with a hot iron or caustic agent
causterizing agent
curved out, or bulging outward
convex
mucous membrane lining eyelids and covers the white portion of the eye
conjunctiva
initial application of a cream or paste cosmetic to skin tissue
cosmetic base
weight loss and thinness due to a loss of subcutaneous fat
emaciated
chemical treatment of dhb to reduce presence and growth of microorganisms, temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance
embalming
consideration given to dhb prior to, during, and after embalming procedure; documentation recommended
embalming analysis
wound filler; most viscous type of wax; puttylike, to fill large cavities or model features
firm wax
profile form in which the dorsum exhibits a straight line from root to tip
grecian
formerly called infectious hepatitis; transmitted by oral-fecal contamination
hepatitis a
severe infectious blood-borne virus
hepatitis b
spread by contaminated blood or body fluid; viral disease that leads to swelling of the liver
hepatitis c
special vascular (arterial) fluid with formaldehyde content of 25-36%
high index fluids
(hidden suture) closes insisions in such a manner that ligature remains entirely under the epidermis
intradermal suture
a greenish-black coloration along the vessels (veins) produced by hemolysis of the blood in the vessels.
marbling
puttylike substance an absorbent sealing adhesive injectable under the skin or applied to surface tissue to establish skin contour
mastic compound
verticle line drawn from the center of the medial border of the base of the axillary space
midaxillary line
long and narrow, hollow cheeks, nose long and prominent, forehead narrow and high, recedes, and jaw narrow
oblong
change in the body’s chemical composition occurring after death
postmortem chemical change
short, with full cheeks and a rounded fuller jawline, and a rounded cranium
round
(inversion) used to gather in and turn excess tissues; pattern is same intradermal suture, except stitches made parallel to the incision edges adn do not pierce the margins of the incision
worm suture
(cheek bone) the bony arch at the outer border of the eye socket, formed by the union of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone
zygomatic arch
tissue gas
clostridium perfringens
white, yellow, red and brown: four hues that correspond to the pigments of the skin
basic pigments
the yellow pigment of the skin
carotene
