Quiz 1 Flashcards
The word embalm comes from the combination of Latin words
em- in or about
balm- a resinous substance or balsamic agent
General definition of embalming
The art and science of disinfecting, preserving and restoring the deceased to a lifelike appearance
Non-legal definition of embalming
The process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms , to slow organic decomposition and restore an acceptable physical appearance
Legal definition of embalming
The TEMPORARY preservation and disinfection or attempted preservation and disinfection of the dead human remains by the application of chemicals, externally, internally or both.
Purpose of Embalming
Preservation and Sanitation
Embalming chemicals act primarily on body proteins
Proteins are cross linked with chemicals to form latticework of inert firm material
Embalmed tissue can no longer be easily broken down by bacterial or autolytic body enzymes
Embalming destroys reactive centers within body proteins and their ability to retain water
Our goal isn’t as much to make the dead appear lifelike, rather, to minimize the evidence of devastation caused by:
- Long-term disease and illness
- Extended use of drug therapies
- Surgery
- Tumors
- Trauma/disfigurements
- Postmortem changes affecting viewable areas of the body
Injection of proper embalming chemicals can:
- Restore facial tissues
- Decrease facial swellings
- Remove postmortem Intravascular discolorations
- Reduce extravascular discolorations
- Restore natural facial coloring
Types of Embalming
- Arterial
- Cavity
- Hypodermic
- Surface
Arterial embalming
Utilizes body’s blood vascular system to distribute preservative chemical solutions
3-4 gallons injected under pressure via major artery
Cavity embalming
Performed after arterial embalming.
Direct treatment of the contents of the cavities and materials in the lumen of the hollow viscera
Body must be aspirated first
Both require trocar
Aspiration removes contents of visceral organs and prevents purge
Hypodermic Embalming
Subcuticular injection of preservative chemical directly into tissues
Employed when preservative chemicals did not reach and area by arterial emblaming
Surface Embalming
Application of an embalming chemical directly to the surface of the tissues
Egyptians
3200 BC-650 AD
First people to preserve bodies and practice restorative art
Believed in resurrection of bodies Sarcophaguses Buried dead in sand near Nike River Dry climate- mummified bodies in sand Buried dead with their possessions- lead to grave robbing
Greeks
First to cremate
Anatomist Period
650 AD-1861
