Humectants Flashcards
What are Humectants?
Chemicals that increase the capability of embalmed tissues to retain moisture
What is a supplemental fluid?
Fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection
What categories do the three supplemental fluids fall into?
Pre-injection, Co-Injection, Restorative Fluids
Chemicals for which there may be greatly varying demands predicated upon the type of embalming and environment
Modifying Agents
What are the 4 things that Humectants do?
- Add moisture to the body
- Make tissue more pliable
- Retain moisture in tissue more pliable
- Attach themselves to the HCHO molecules
When should you use Humectants?
- Extreme Weight Loss
- Emaciation
- Having bodies held for a really long time
What are the Components of Humectants?
- Glycerol
- Sorbitol
- Glycol
- Emulsifiers
- Lanolin Derivatives
- Natural and Synthetic Gum
What is Sorbital compared to now days?
Glycerine
Chemically what is Sorbital composed of?
6 carbon and 6 hydroxyl groups
What is the ideal temp to store Sorbitol?
55 degrees F
What does Hygroscopic mean?
Absorbs moisture readily
Is Lanolin and Silicon Soluble?
No
How long can a general emulsifier last?
2 to 5 years
What is used to reduce the drying effects of aldehydes?
Oleate and Palimates Oils
Where does Lanolin come from??
Sheep Oil
Where are Synthetic Gums formed from?
Cellulose
What are natural and synthentic gums used for?
Restore moisture to tissue and maintain normal moisture
Is there any other embalming fluid you can co inject with?
No, only humectants should be co injected
What is the definition of Arterial Fluid/ Solution?
A concentrated preservative, embalming chemical that is diluted with water
What is the purpose of arterial fluid?
Inactivating saprophytic bacteria and rendering the body tissues less susceptible to decomposition
What are capillaries?
The smallest blood vessel, single layer of epithelial cells. Connects the smallest arteries with smallest veins
What does permeability do to the capillaries?
Allows for a substance to diffuse into the capillary veins to the tissues
Why can only Humectants be Co injected?
Because they are Viscous
What does Chemical Evaporation mean?
The body is too dehydrated because of embalming too hard
