Vocab Flashcards
ABSCESS
a localized accumulation of pus.
ABSORPTION
the process of taking in, as in a colored object which absorbs certain rays of light and reflects other rays giving the object its recognizable color
ABUT
To touch or contact as with the tarsal plates of the closed eyelids.
ACCESSORY CHEMICAL
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
ACETONE
dimethylketone; a colorless liquid which is used to soften and remove scabs; a solvent for restorative wax, or a stain remover.
ACQUIRED
presents itself after birth
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DERICIENCY SYNDROME / AIDS
A specific group of diseases or Conditions which are indicative of severe immunosuppression related to infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (MV); persons dead having had AIDS may exhibit conditions such as wasting syndrome, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
ACTION LEVEL / AL-EXPOSURE LIMITS
These levels are established to ensure adequate protection of employees at exposures below the OSHA limits, but to minimize the compliance burdens for employers whose employees have exposures below the 8 hour permissible exposure limit (PEL) The AL for formaldehyde is 0.5 ppm.
ACTIVE CAPILLARY CONGESTION
occurs when the arterial supply to an area of the body is increased
ACTIVE DYES/STAINING DYES/COSMETIC DYES
Dyes which aid in restoring a life-like surface pigmentation to a body and also stain the body tissue cells.
ACTUAL PRESSURE
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
ABRASION
Antemortem injuries resulting from friction of the skin against a firm object resulting in the removal of the epidermis
ACUTE
a disease with a more or less rapid onset and short duration
ADIPOCERE aka GRAVE WAX
Soft whitish crumbly or greasy material that forms upon the
Postmortem hydrolysis and hydrogenation of body fats
ADDISON’S DISEASE
Disease resulting from a deficiency in the secretion of adrenocortical hormones, with “bronze” discoloration of the skin and electrolyte imbalances.
ADSORPTION
Assimilation of gas, vapor, or dissolved matter by the surface of a solid or liquid
AEROBIC
In the presence of free oxygen
AEROSOL
Colloidal solution dispensed as a mist
AEROSOLIZATION
To disperse as an aerosol; minute particles of blood and water become atomized and suspended in air when water under pressure meets the blood drainage or when flushing an uncovered flush sink
AGGLUTINATION
Intravascular: the increase of viscosity of blood brought about by the clumping of particulate formed elements in the blood vessels which is a specific type of congealing.
AGONAL ALGOR
Decrease in body temperature immediately before death
AGONAL BACTERIAL MIGRATION
A process which is the result of capillary permeability changes, where the bacteria from the intestinal area of the body migrate to the blood vascular system and is spread throughout the body.
AGONAL COAGULATION
In reference to blood, a change from a fluid into a thickened mass.
AGONAL DEHYDRATION
The loss of moisture from the living body during the agonal state.
AGONAL EDEMA
Escape of blood serum from an intravascular to an extravascular location immediately before death
AGONAL EXUDATION
An outpouring of lymph into the peritoneal cavity
AGONAL FEVER
Increase in body temperature immediately before death.
AGONAL INTUSSUSCEPTION
An invagination of an upper segment of intestine within a lower segment.
AGONAL PERIOD
Period immediately before somatic death
AIR PRESSURE APPARATUS
A method of creating injection pressure with air forced under pressure into a fluid chamber that displaces the arterial solution by pushing it into the arterial system of the body.
ALBUMIN
a protein found in blood plasma
ALBUMINURIA
An abnormally excessive amount of albumin in the urine.
ALCOHOL
an organic compound containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups
ALDEHYDE
an organic compound containing one or more –CHO groups.
ALGOR MORTIS
Post-mortem cooling of the body to the surrounding temperature.
ALLERGEN
A material which can trigger an allergic reaction.
ALTERNATE DRAINAGE
Method of injection-drainage in which embalming solution is injected and then injection is stopped while drainage is open which is a type of restricted drainage.
AMERICAN CONGRESS OF GOVERNMENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS aka ACGIH
An organization of professional personnel in governmental agencies or educational institutions who are employed in occupational safety and health programs
AMINE
an organic compound containing nitrogen; any compounds formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic radicals.
AMINO ACID
Building blocks of which proteins are constructed, and the end products of protein digestion or hydrolysis Their basic formula is NH2-CHR-COOH an amino group, an alpha carbon, any aliphatic or aromatic radical, and a carboxyl group.
AMMONIA INJECTION TEST
Ammonia is injected hypodermically into the skin and if a reddish reaction occurs the body is still alive. This is a non expert test for death.
ANAEROBIC
In the absence of free oxygen
ANASARCA
Severe generalized edema
ANATOMICAL GUIDE
A descriptive reference for locating arteries and veins by means of anatomical structures which are known.
ANATOMICAL LIMITS
Points of origin and points of termination in relation to adjacent structures; used to designate the boundaries of arteries.
ANATOMICAL POSITION
The body is erect, feet together, palms facing forward, and thumbs are pointed away from the body.
ANEMIA
a decrease in the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin or both.
ANEURYSM
Localized abnormal dilation of outpocketing of a blood vessel resulting from a congenital defect or a weakness of the vessel wall
ANEURYSM HOOK
An embalming instrument that is used for blunt dissection and in raising vessels.
ANEURYSM NEEDLE
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.
ANGULAR BANDAGE SCISSORS
An instrument which is used for cutting bandages and/or clothing off the deceased.
ANGULAR SPRING FORCEPS
A multipurpose instrument used in the embalming process.
ANGULAR VEIN FORCEPS
An embalming instrument which has multiple uses, especially in helping remove blood from the veins.
ANOMALIES
Deviation from the normal
ANTECUBITAL
In front of the elbow/in the bend of the elbow
ANTEMORTEM
Before death
ANTERIOR
Toward the front
ANTERIOR NARES
the external openings of the nostril
ANTERIOR SUPERIOR ILIAC SPINE
A bony protuberance, that can be palpated topographically, found on the ilium, the superior, broad portion of the hipbone; the origin of the injuinal ligament and the sartorius muscle.
ANTIBODY
glycoprotein substance developed by the body in response to, and interacting specifically with, an antigen Also known as immunoglobulin.
ANTICOAGULANT FLUID
Ingredient of embalming fluids that retards the natural postmortem tendency of blood to become more viscous or prevents adverse reactions between blood and other embalming chemicals.
ANTIGEN
a foreign substance that stimulates the formation of antibodies that react specifically with it.
ANTISEPTIC
A non-toxic disinfectant suitable for the use on animal tissue.
ANTISEPSIS
the prevention or inhibiting of the growth of causative microorganisms.
APERTURE
Opening
APNEA
Death brought about by a cessation of respiration or improper functioning of the respiratory apparatus; one of three modes of death described by Bichat.
APPARENT DEATH
Condition in which the manifestations of life are feebly maintained.
AQUEOUS SOLUTION
A solution in which water is the solvent.
ARRHYTHMIA
Uneven heartbeat.
ARTERIAL (VASCULAR) FLUID
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 decomposition.
ARTERIAL SOLUTION
The mixture of arterial (vascular) fluid and water which is used for the arterial injection and may include supplemental fluids.
ARTERIAL TUBE
A tube used to inject embalming fluid into the body vascular system aka cannula.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
The term applied to a number of pathological conditions causing a thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of the arteries.
ARTERY FIXATION FORCEPS
An embalming instrument whose purpose is to hold arterial tubes in the arteries [2 hole or 3 hole clamp]
ARTERY AND VEIN SCISSORS
An embalming instrument used for cutting arteries and veins to enable insertion of the arterial tubes into the arteries and drain tubes into the veins
ARTICULATION
Place of union between two or more bones.
ARTICULO-MORTIS
The movement of blood from the heart and arteries into the capillaries
and veins, which occurs at the moment of death.
ASCITES
Accumulation of serous fluids in the peritoneal cavity.
ASEPSIS
Freedom from infection and from any form of life; sterility.
ASPHYXIA
Insufficient intake of oxygen resulting from numerous causes aka apnea.
ASPIRATION
Withdrawal of gas, fluids, and semi-solids from body cavities and hollow viscera by means of suction with an aspirator and a trocar.
ASTHENIA
Indicates a weakness or feebleness of any organ or function.
ATHEROMA
Fatty degeneration or thickening of the walls of the larger arteries occurring in atherosclerosis.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
a form of arteriosclerosis marked by the deposition of lipids in the inner layer of arterial walls.
ATROPHY
a wasting, decrease in size of an organ or tissue.
AUTOCLAVE
Apparatus used for sterilization by steam pressure, usually at 250 F/ 120 C for a
specific time.
AUTOLYSIS
Self-destruction of cells; decomposition of all tissues by enzymes of their own Formation without microbial assistance.
AUTOLYTIC ENZYME
The body’s own digestive enzymes that are capable of destroying body cells (autolytic decomposition).
AUTOPSY
A postmortem examination of the organs and tissues of a body to determine cause of death or pathological condition; a necropsy.
BACTEREMIA
The presence of bacteria in the blood
BACTERICIDAL AGENT
Destructive to bacteria.
BACTERIOLYSIS
Destruction of bacteria by action of certain chemical substances.
BACTERIOSTATIC AGENT
Agent that has the ability to inhibit or retard bacterial growth No destruction of viability of the microorganism is implied.
BALSAMIC SUBSTANCE
Resins combined with oil; a fragrant, resinous, oily exudate from various trees and plants.
BASE OF THE AXILLARY SPACE
The armpit
ANTERIOR BOUNDARY
Established by drawing a line along the fold of skin which
envelops the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle.
POSTERIOR BOUNDARY
Established by drawing a line along the fold of skin which envelops the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi muscle.
MEDIAL BOUNDARY
Established by drawing a line which connects the two points where the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles blend into the chest wall.
LATERAL BOUNDARY
Established by drawing a line which connects the two points where the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles blend into the arm.
BASKET WEAVE SUTURE aka CROSS STITCH
A network of stitches which cross the borders of a cavity or excision to anchor fillers and to sustain tissues in their proper position.
BIOLOGICAL DEATH
Irreversible somatic death, where life cannot be restored.
BISCHLOROMETHYL ETHER aka BCME
A carcinogen potentially produced when formaldehyde and sodium hypochlorite come into contact with each other; normally occurs only in a controlled laboratory setting and requires a catalyst.
BISTOURY
An embalming instrument which is a one piece scalpel used for making incisions and excisions.
BLEACHING AGENT
A chemical which lightens a skin discoloration.
BLISTER
a thin vesicle on the skin containing liquid matter.
BLOOD
Tissue that circulates through the vascular system and is composed of approximately 22% solids and 78% water.
BLOOD DISCOLORATION
Discolorations resulting from changes in blood composition, content, or location, either intravascularly or extravascularly.
BLOTCHED
having relatively large patches of color somewhat different from the remainder of the coloring.
BLUNT DISSECTION
The separation and pushing aside of the superficial fascia leading to blood vessels and then the deep fascia surrounding blood -vessels, utilizing manual techniques or round ended instruments which separate rather than cut the protective tissues.
BOIL aka FURUNCLE
Acute, deep-seated inflammation in the skin which usually begins as a subcutaneous swelling in a hair follicle.
BONE SEPARATOR/SEPARATOR
An embalming instrument used to maintain the elevation of the vessels above the surface of the skin.
BRIDGE SUTURE aka TEMPORARY INTERRUPTED SUTURE
Individual stitch knotted at the tissue edge; may be applied prior to embalming to align tissues.
BRUISE
(ecchymosis) an injury caused by a blow without laceration; a contusion.
BUCCAL CAVITY
Vestibule of the oral cavity; the space between the lips, gums, and teeth.
BUFFERS
A chemical which affects the stabilization of the acid-base(pH) balance within embalming solutions and in the embalmed tissues.
BULB SYRINGE
Self-contained, soft rubber and manual pump designed to create pressure to deliver fluid as it passes through one-way valves located within the bulb It is used only to deliver fluids; it cannot be used for aspiration.
ALEXANDER M. BUTLEROV
(1828-1866) One of the discoverers of formaldehyde [Russian
CACHEXIA
General deterioration of the body; a state of ill health, malnutrition, and wasting It may occur in many chronic diseases as certain malignancies and advanced pulmonary tuberculosis [Wasting Syndrome]
CADAVER
Dead human body used for medical purposes: including transplantation, anatomical dissection and study.
CADAVERIC SPASM
A prolongation of the last violent contraction of the muscles into the rigidity of death aka instantaneous rigor mortis.
CALVARIUM
The dome-like superior portion of the cranium; that portion removed during cranial autopsy.
CALVARIUM CLAMP
A device used as a means of fastening the calvarium after a cranial autopsy.
CALVARIUM NEEDLES
Special needles which are used to anchor the calvaria securely in the head of autopsied cases and is applied with a needle injector.
CANALIZATION
Formation of new channels in a tissue.
CAPILLARIES
Minute blood vessels, the walls of which comprise a single layer of endothelial cells. where pressure filtration occurs.
CAPILLARY PERMEABILITY
Ability of substances to diffuse through capillary walls into the tissue spaces.
CAPRI GARMENT
Plastic protective garment designed to cover the legs, buttocks, and abdomen. A combination of pants and stockings.
CARBOHYDRATE
A compound of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen; sugars, starches, and glycogen.
CARBUNCLE
Circumscribed inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues that ends in suppuration and is accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as fever and leukocytosis; Several communicating boils of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with the production and discharge of pus and dead tissue.
CASE ANALYSIS
The total sum of those considerations given the case at hand, beginning before the embalming procedure is begun and continuing throughout the operation.
CATALEPSY
A condition in which the vital signs of life are feebly maintained and there is a waxy rigidity of the body.
CAUTERIZING AGENT
a chemical capable of drying tissues by searing; caustic.
CAVITATION
The formation of cavities in an organ or tissue; frequently seen in some forms of
tuberculosis.
CAVITY EMBALMING aka CAVITY TREATMENT
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.
CENTER OF FLUID DISTRIBUTION
Ascending and/or arch of the aorta.
CENTER OF VENOUS DRAINAGE
Right atrium of the heart.
CENTRIFUGAL FORCE MACHINE
Embalming machine that uses an electrical pump to create pressure either pulsating or non-pulsating aka modern embalming machine.
CHANNELING
Restorative treatment usually accompanied by aspiration, gravitation, or external pressure to remove gases or excess liquids from tissues; passages are made through the tissues with a scalpel, hypodermic needle, or trocar.
CHELATE
Substances that bind metallic ions such as EDTA -(Ethylenediarnine-tetraceticacid) used as an anticoagulant in embalming solutions.
CHEMICAL EVAPORATION
Dehydration caused by using too harsh of an arterial solution to embalm a dead human body.
CHICKEN FAT CLOT
A blood clot which contains all of the blood elements with red and white blood cells separated into distinct layers.
CHIN REST
One of several methods used for mouth closure (antiquated)
CIRCLE OF TRANSMISSION
The means by which a pathogen is passed from host to host.
GABRIAL CLAUDERUS
(Late 17th C.) An influential person in medical embalming who published a book about a method of embalming without evisceration [German]
CLINICAL DEATH
A phase of somatic death lasting from 5-6 minutes during which life may be restored.
CLOSED SYSTEM DRAINAGE
Drainage procedure that limits the exposure of the embalmer to the drainage. Tubing is attached to a drain tube allowing drainage to flow directly from a vein into a sanitary disposal system; tubing may also be attached to a trocar and aspirator allowing drainage to be taken from the right atrium of the heart to the sanitary disposal system.
CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS
Anaerobic, saprophytic, spore-forming bacterium responsible for tissue gas Referred to as a gas bacillus.
COAGULATION
The process of converting soluble protein to insoluble protein by heating or contact with a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde
CO-ENZYMES OR ACCELERATORS
Substances which increase the activity of enzymes.
COINJECTION
The injection of a specialized chemical in conjunction with the routine arterial
chemical.
COINJECTION FLUID
A fluid used primarily to supplement and enhance the action of vascular (arterial) solutions.
COLD STIFFENING
A condition which occurs in dead bodies when exposed to temperatures near or below the freezing point, thus causing the tissues to become firm and rigid.
COLIFORM ORGANISMS
Microorganisms (Colon Bacillus) found normally in the colon.
COLLOID
a solution-like system in which the size of the solute particle is between 1 and 100 nanometers Particles of solute pass through filters but not membranes.
COMA
The irreversible cessation of brain activity and loss of consciousness; death beginning at the brain
COMBINATION TABLE
Preparation room equipment which may serve for both embalming and dressing human remains.
CONCURRENT DISINFECTION
Disinfection practices carried out during the embalming
process.
CONCURRENT DRAINAGE
Method of drainage in which drainage occurs continuously during vascular (arterial) injection.
CONCUSSION
the immediate and temporary disturbance of brain function
CONTUSION
A bruise
CORNEA
Transparent part of the tunic of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil andadmits
light into the interior.
CORNEAL SCLERA BUTTON
That portion of the cornea recovered for transplantation. The cornea and sclera considered together comprising the tunica fibrosa or fibrous coat of the eye.
CORPSE
Legal term referring to a dead body.
CORONER
An official of a local community who holds inquests concerning sudden, violent,
and unexplained deaths.
CORROSIVE
Causing visible destruction of living tissue at point of contact.
COSMETIC FLUID
Embalming fluid that contains dyes and coloring agents intended to Restore a more natural skin tone through the embalming process.
COUNTER STAINING COMPOUND
Dye that helps to cover internal discolorations such as jaundice.
COVERALL
Plastic garment designed to cover the body from the chest down to the upper thigh.
CRANIAL CAP
Embalming aid used on cases with cranial autopsies to absorb seepage and prevent the soiling of the casket pillow.
CRANIAL EMBALMING
Method used to embalm the contents of the cranial cavity through aspiration and injection of the cranial chamber by passage of a trocar through the cribiform plate.
CREPITATION
Crackling sensation produced when gases trapped in tissues are palpated, as in subcutaneous emphysema.
CREUTZFELD-JACOB DISEASE aka CJD
A disease of the central nervous system with unknown Etiology assumed to be a slow virus; because of unknown etiology, care givers using invasive procedures use extreme caution.
CRIBRIFORM PLATE
Thin, medial portion of the ethmoid bone of the skull.
CURRENT AND/OR JELLY CLOT
A blood clot which contains all of the blood elements coagulated in an evenly mixed mass.
CUTIS ANSERINA
A condition of skin puckering caused by the contraction of the erector pili.
LEONARDO DA VINCI
(1452-1519) Italian sculptor and painter produced anatomical plates; injected the arterial system for preservation of anatomical specimens.
DEATH
Irreversible cessation of all vital functions
DEATH BILL
A list of dead to be prayed for.
DEATH CANDLE
A luminous appearance like a candle flame, superstitiously thought to prestage death.
DEATH FIRE
A kind of ignis fatuus (glow) supposed to forebode death.
DEATH KNEEL
Stroke or tolling of a death bell.
DEATH RATTLE
Noise made by a moribund person caused by air passing through a residue of mucous in the trachea and posterior oral cavity.
DEATH STRUGGLE
The semi-convulsive twitches which often occur before death.
DEATH THROE
Spasm of death.
DEATH TOKEN
Signal of approaching death
DEATH TRANCE
A condition in which the muscles become rigidly fixed, the body becomes pale and cold, pulse and respiration are feeble.
DEATH WEIGHT
A small weight, such as a penny, laid on the eyelids to keep them closed.
DEATHLING
One liable to death, a mortal
DECAY
Decomposition of proteins by enzymes of aerobic bacteria.
DECOMPOSITION
Separation of compounds into simpler substances by the action of Microbial and/or autolytic enzymes.
DECONTAMINATION
Inactivation or removal of microbial toxins, as well as of living microbial pathogens themselves.
DENATURED PROTEIN
A protein whose structure has been changed by physical or chemical agents.
DENTAL FORMULA
An expression of the definition of mammals The number of teeth are given in form of a fraction, with the number of upper teeth over the number of lower teeth
DENTAL PROGNATHISM
(buck teeth) oblique insertion of the teeth.
DENTAL TIE
One of several methods used for mouth closure.
DEODORANTS/MASKING AGENTS/PERFUMING AGENTS
Chemicals having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an unpleasant odor so that it is converted to a more pleasant one
DERMA
The deep layer of skin under the epidermis aka dermis, skin, corium, or true skin.
DESICCATION
Rendered thoroughly dry, exhausted of moisture.
DESSICATION MARKS
Areas of embalmed tissue where excessive dehydration has occurred.
DESQUAMATION aka SKIN SLIP
Sloughing off of the epidermis, wherein there is a separation of the epidermis from the underlying dermis formally referred to as skin slip.
DEVIATIONS
a variation from the common or established.
DILATATION (DILATION)
the condition of the heart being enlarged, occurring normally, artificially, or as a result of disease
DIALYSIS
Separation of substances in solution by the difference in their rates of diffusion through a semipermeable, membrane aka Selective Diffusion
DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE
The difference between potential and actual pressure.
DIFFUSION SOLUTION
Passage of some components of the injected embalming solution from an intravascular to an extravascular location; movements of the embalming solutions from the capillaries into the interstitial fluids.
DILUTION
Substance thinned or reduced in concentration; a cosmetic lessened in brilliance.
DIPHTHERIA
An acute infectious disease characterized by the formation of a false membrane
on any mucous surface.
DISARTICULATE
Disjoining of bones.
DISINTEGRATION
Unchecked putrefaction eventually results in a complete breakdown and disappearance of all body structures, except the bones.
DISCOLORATION
Any abnormal color in or upon the human body.
DISEASE
Any deviation from or interruption of the normal structure or function of a body part,
organ, or system.
DISSECTION
Act of cutting apart. Distend. To expand or swell.
DISINFECTANT
An agent, usually chemical, applied to inanimate objects/surfaces to destroy disease causing microbial agents, but usually not bacterial spores.
DISINFECTION
The destruction and/or inhibition of most pathogenic organisms and their products in or on the body.
DISTENSION
State of stretching out or becoming inflated aka swelling.
DISTRIBUTION SOLUTION
The movement of embalming solutions from the point of Injection
throughout the arterial system and into the capillaries.
DOWEL
a wooden or metal rod used as an armature.
DRAIN TUBE
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.
DRAINAGE
Discharge or withdrawal of blood, interstitial fluid and embalming fluids from the body during vascular embalming. Usually removed through a vein of the body.
DRAINAGE FORCEPS
An embalming instrument which allows the removal of blood from the body without using the conventional drain tube.
DRENCH SHOWER
OSHA required safety device for a release of a copious amount of water in a short time.
DRUG DISCOLORATION
Antemortem discolorations resulting from the administration of drugs or chemotherapeutic agents.
DRY GANGRENE
Condition that results when the body part that dies had little blood and remains aseptic and occurs when the arteries are obstructed.
DYE (COLORING AGENT)
Substances which will, upon being dissolved, impart a definite color to the embalming solution Dyes are classified as to their capacity to permanently impart color to the tissue of the body into which they are injected.
DYSPNEA
Difficult or painful breathing.
ECCHYMOSIS aka SUGGILLATION
Extravasation of blood into a tissue; aka bruise or
contusion.
ECZEMA
A disease of the skin characterized by itching, redness and scaling.
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM aka EEG
A record of the electrical activity of the brain.
ELECTRIC ASPIRATOR
A device that uses a motor to create a suction for the purpose of aspiration.
EMACIATION
excessive leanness; a wasted condition resulting in sunken surfaces of the face.
EMBALMER’S ECZEMA
A severe skin irritation due to prolonged exposure to formaldehyde or
other embalming chemicals.
EMBALMING
Process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms, to temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance. Four types of embalming:
EMBALMING CAVITY
Direct treatment other than vascular (arterial) embalming of the contents of the body cavities and the lumina of the hollow viscera; usually accomplished by aspiration and then injection of chemicals using a trocar.
EMBALMING HYPODERMIC
Injection of embalming chemicals directly into the tissues through the use of a syringe and needle or a trocar.
EMBALMING REPORT aka CASE REPORT
Report filled out for each body prepared and for each body received from another funeral home.
EMBALMING SURFACE
Direct contact of internal or external body tissues with embalming chemicals.
EMBALMING VASCULAR
The use of the vascular systems of the body for preservation, disinfection and restoration; usually accomplished through injection of embalming solutions into the arteries and drainage from the veins.
EMBALMING ANALYSIS aka CASE ANALYSIS
That consideration given to the dead body prior to, during, and after the embalming procedure is completed; documentation is recommended.
EMBALMING PACK
Embalming where an absorbent material is saturated with an embalming chemical and placed in direct contact with the tissue.
EMBALMING POWDER
Embalming chemical in powder form; typically used for surface treatment of the remains.
EMBOLISM
Free floating object in the blood stream
ENDOENZYMES
The true metabolic enzymes of bacterium, produced within the bacterial cell
wall.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Procedures that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogen hazard from the workplace such as sharps disposal container, self-sheathing needles.
ENUCLEATION
the removal of an entire mass or part, especially a tumor or the eyeball, without rupture.
ENVIRONMENT
The surroundings, conditions, or influences that affect an organism or the cells within an organism.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY aka EPA
A governmental agency with environmental protection regulatory and enforcement authority.
ENZYME
An organic catalyst produced by living cells and capable of autolytic decomposition.
ETHER
Clear, volatile liquid used as a wax solvent or to remove grease, oil, and adhesive tape stains.
ETHYLENEDIAMINE TETRACETIC ACID (EDTA)
Is found in products as either the tetrasodium or disodium salt. They rect chemically to “bind” calcium, which inhibits the blood clotting mechanism. It is a skin irritant, causing dryness and cracking.
EXANTHEMATOUS DISEASE
Disease characterized by a rash, for example, measles.
EXPERT TESTS OF DEATH
Any procedure used to prove a sign of death, usually performed by medical personnel.
EXPOSURE INCIDENT
A specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral, contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee’s duties.
EXPOSURE OCCUPATIONAL
Reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.
EXSANGUINATION
loss of blood to the point where life can no longer be sustained
EXTERNAL PRESSURE
weight applied to a surface.
EXTRAVASCULAR BLOOD DISCOLORATION
Discoloration of the body outside the blood vascular system, for example, ecchymosis, petechia, hematoma, and postmortem stain.
EYE ENUCLEATION
Removal of the eye for tissue transplantation, research and education
EYE ENUCLEATION DISCOLORATION
Extravasation of blood as a result of eye enucleation.
EYELID OVERLAP
(outdated) Method of eye closure in which the upper lid is placed on top of
the lower lid.
FACIES HIPPOCRATICA
Expression or appearance of the facial features after death The look of death.
FACULTATIVE AEROBE
A microorganism that prefers an environment devoid of oxygen but has adapted so that it can live and grow in the presence of oxygen.
FACULTATIVE ANAEROBE
An organism that prefers an oxygen environment but is capable of living and growing in its absence
FAT
Organic compound containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; chemically, a triglyceride ester, composed of glycerol and fatty acids.
FATTY ACIDS
A product of decomposition of fats.
FERMENTATION
Bacterial decomposition of carbohydrates
FEVER BLISTERS
Lesions of the mucous membrane of the lip or mouth usually caused by
Herpes simplex type 1.
FIRMING
Rigidity of tissue due to chemical reaction.
FIRST DEGREE BURN
(hyperemia) an injury caused by heat which produces redness of the
skin.
FIXATION
The act of making tissue rigid. The solidification of a compound.
FIXATIVE
An agent employed in the preparation of tissues for the purpose of maintaining the existing form of the structure. Many agents are used, the most important one being formalin.
FLOATER
A dead human body, in a body of water, which has generated sufficient decomposition gasses to float to the surface of the water (face down).
FLOW METER
A supplemental piece of equipment attached to the embalming machine which measures the flow of fluids in both gallons per hour and ounces per minute.
FLUID DIFFUSION
The movement of the arterial solution through the capillaries into the intercellular spaces, from an intravascular to an extravascular position.
FLUID DISTRIBUTION
The movement of the arterial solution from the point of injection through the blood vascular system.
FLUORESCEIN
A common dye which is used to test for blood circulation.
FLUSH (FLUSHING)
Intravascular blood discoloration that occurs when arterial solution enters an area (such as the face), but due to blockage, blood and embalming solution are unable to drain from the area.
FORMALDEHYDE DEMAND
that amount of formaldehyde necessary to overcome any nitrogen residue and cause the body proteins to become coagulated.
FORMALDEHYDE aka HCHO or CH20
Colorless, strong-smelling gas that when used in solution is a powerful preservative and disinfectant; a potential occupational carcinogen
FORMALDEHYDE GREY
Grey discoloration of the body caused by the reaction of formaldehyde from the embalming process with hemoglobin to form methyl hemoglobin.
FORMALDEHYDE RULE
OSHA regulation limiting the amount of occupation exposure to formaldehyde gas.
FUNCTIONAL DEATH
Somatic death
FORMALIN
A mixture of formaldehyde gas dissolved in water with 40% by volume, 37% by weight and contains 7% methyl alcohol to prevent polymerization.
JEAN GANNAL
(1791-1882) An influential person in medical embalming who was the first to make embalming available to the public and who also wrote the first embalming text (first printing in French) [French]
GOOSENECK
Rubber stopper containing two tubes, one to create vacuum or pressure and the other to deliver fluid or achieve aspiration; possibly used in conjunction with a hand pump.
RICHARD HARLAN
(1796-1843) An influential person in medical embalming who translated
Gannal’s text into English and promoted embalming for sanitary purposes
DR.WILLIAM HARVEY
(1578-1657) An influential person in medical embalming who discovered the circulation of blood in 1628 [British]
