Vocabulary for Exam 5 Flashcards
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
Dyes which aid in restoring a life-like surface pigmentation to a body and also stain the body tissue cells.
Active Dyes (Staining Dyes, Cosmetic Dyes)
Severe, generalized edema.
Anasarca
A chemical which affects the stabilization of the acid-base (pH) balance within embalming solutions and in the embalmed tissues.
Buffers
A breakdown of HCHO caused by strongly alkaline solutions.
Cannizzaro’s Reaction
Minute blood vessels, the walls of which comprise a single layer of endothelial cells. Connect the smallest arteries (arteriole) with the smallest veins (venules) and are where pressure filtration occurs.
Capillaries
The injection of a specialized chemical in conjunction with the routine arterial chemical.
Co-Injection
Large Solutes.
Colloidal
A solution-like system in which the size of the particle is between 1 and 100 nanometers. Particles of solute pass through filters but not membranes.
Collioid
Inorganic salts that have molecules small enough to pass through semi-permeable membranes and pass through capillary walls and into tissue cells to produce disinfection and preservation.
Crystalloids
Weight per unit volume.
Density
Sloughing off of the epidermis, wherein there is a separation of the epidermis from the underlying dermis.
Desquamation (Skin Slip)
When a crystalloid solution is separated by a semi-permeable membrane, which permits the penetration of crystalloids but excludes colloids, then as water is drawn by osmotic attraction into the colloidal mixture, then dissolved crystalloids will be drawn in as well.
(Separation of substances in solution by the difference in their rates of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane).
Dialysis (Selective Diffusion)
The movement of molecules or other particles in solution from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration until a uniform concentration is reached.
Diffusion
The pushing of blood out of the venous system by the embalming machine forcing arterial fluid solution throughout the vascular system.
The volume or weight of a fluid (as water) displaced by a floating body (as a ship) of equal weight.
Displacement
The movement of embalming solutions from the point of injection throughout the arterial system and into the capillaries.
Distribution
Condition that results when the body part that dies had little blood and remains aseptic and occurs when the arteries but not the veins are obstructed.
Dry Gangrene
Abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissue or body cavities.
Edema (Dropsy)
Removal of particles (liquid or solid) from a solution, as it passes through a membrane or other partial barrier.
Filtration
Antemortem necrosis in a wound infected by an anaerobic gas forming bacillus, the most common etiologic agent being Clostridium perfringens.
Gas Gangrene
Extravascular movement of preservative fluids by gravitational force to the dependent areas of the body.
Gravity Filtration
Chemical in powder form that has the ability to absorb and to disinfect. Often used in cavity treatment of autopsied cases.
Hardening Compound
A solution having greater concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared.
Hypertonic Solution
A solution having a lesser concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared.
Hypotonic Solution
A solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute to that of a standard of reference.
Isotonic Solution
A colorless, poisonous liquid which is a good solvent, especially for HCHO, it also has some antiseptic and preservative qualities. It prevents formaldehyde from polymerizing to paraformaldehyde.
Methanol (Wood Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol)
Chemicals added to the embalming solution to deal with the varying demands predicted upon the embalming fluid to be used, the type of embalming and the environment.
Modifying Agents
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 (Hindered Diffusion)
A polymer of formaldehyde and exists as a sold. It is almost pure formaldehyde. It is INSOLUBLE, so it cannot be used in embalming fluids. It is most commonly used in the powdered preservative compositions such as hardening compounds and embalming powders, deodorizing powders, sealing powders, and cavity desiccants. Has a moderate oral toxicity and low dermal toxicity. Can produce formaldehyde when heated. It is a moderate fire risk and can react with oxidizers.
Para-Formaldehyde (HCHO Crystals)
Dyes which do not impart a definite color to the tissues. Commonly used in certain embalming chemicals to color to fluid so the embalmer can distinguish between the different bottles. Found in cavity fluid, pre/co-injection fluid and preservative jelly.
Passive Dyes (Non-Cosmetic Dyes, Inactive Dyes)
The formation of a suspension of an insoluble compound by mixing two solutions. This is the chemical reaction in which a compound is made into a polymer. (HCHO Crystal). This is the breakdown phase/process.
Polymerization (Precipitation)
The injection of specialized chemical prior to the injection of a routine arterial chemical.
Pre-Injection
Chemical in powder form; typically used for surface embalming of the remains.
Preservative Powder
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
Occurs in the tank of your injector. It is the dilution of the concentrated fluid with water to form the arterial fluid solution.
Primary Dilution (Primary Solution)
The union of the tissue juices and liquids of the body (both vascular and interstitial) with the arterial fluid solution to further reduce the concentration of the preservative ingredients. This always occurs within the body.
Secondary Dilution (Secondary Solution)
The substance that is dissolved in a solution.
Solute
Liquid containing dissolved substance.
Solution
A liquid holding another substance in solution.
Solvent
The ratio found by comparing the weight of a given volume of a substance with an equal volume of water.
Specific Gravity (Specific Density)
Situated or occurring beneath the skin.
Subcutaneous
Distention of the tissues beneath the skin by gas or air; an antemortem condition brought about by a surgical procedure or trauma.
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Chemicals intended for purposes other than preservation and disinfection.
Supplemental Chemicals
The force that acts on the surface of a liquid and tends to minimize surface area.
Surface Tension
Chemical that reduces the molecular cohesion of a liquid so that it can flow through smaller apertures.
Surfactant (Wetting Agent, Surface Tension Reducer, Penetrating Agent, Surface Active Agent)
Postmortem accumulation of gas in tissues or cavities brought about by an anaerobic gas forming bacillus (clostridium perfringens).
Tissue Gas
Homogeneous mixture of two or more substances able to pass through a semi-permeable membrane. The size of the solute particles is less than one nanometer.
True Solution
A condition resulting from the use of an embalming solution containing an insufficient amount of preservative to meet the preservation demand of the tissues; the interstitial spaces are overly filled, engorged with water.
Water-Logged
Necrotic tissue that is wet as a result of inadequate venous drainage; may be accompanied by bacterial infection.
Wet Gangrene (Moist Gangrene)
Degree of acidity or alkalinity. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, 0 being completely acid, 14 being completely alkaline (basic), and 7 neutral. Blood has a range of 7.35-7.45.
pH (Potential of Hydrogen)
Chemicals which retard the tendency of blood to become more viscous by natural postmortem processes or prevent adverse reactions between blood and other embalming chemicals. May be principal ingredients of a non-preservative, pre-injection fluid or co-injection fluid.
Anticoagulant
An agent used to remove chemical constituents from municipal water supplies that could interfere with drainage and preservation.
Water Conditioner
Grey discoloration of the body caused by the reaction of formaldehyde from the embalming process with hemoglobin to form methyl hemoglobin.
HCHO Grey (Formaldehyde Grey)
Postmortem stiffening of the body muscles by natural body processes.
Rigor Mortis (Cadaveric Rigidity)
Loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem. (Antemortem- febrile disease, diarrhea or emesis; Postmortem- injection of embalming solution or through absorption by the air).
Dehydration
Rendered thoroughly dry, exhausted of moisture.
Dessiccation
The process of converting soluble protein into insoluble protein by heating or contact with a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde. The solidification of a solid into a gelatinous mass. Agglutination is a specific form of this.
Coagulation
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.
Agglutination
A substance that causes a chemical reaction to occur but is not itself involved in the reaction (it does not permanently chemically change).
Catalyst
Injection of very strong arterial fluid (often waterless) under relatively high pressure into the head and face through both common carotid arteries to effect preservation and disinfection while minimizing swelling.
Instant Tissue Fixation (“Head Freeze”)
Injection of an arterial solution composed of a preservative embalming fluid which is diluted with supplemental chemicals such as humectants, water conditioners and co-injections.
Waterless Embalming
Sharply pointed surgical instrument used in cavity embalming to aspirate the cavities and inject cavity fluid. May also be used for supplemental hypodermic embalming.
Trocar
Embalming instrument used to hypodermically inject areas of the body with embalming chemicals.
Hypo Valve Trocar (Parietal Needle)
The action of a force against an opposing force (a force applied or acting against resistance).
Pressure
A cloudiness resulting from the presence of suspended particles in water. Objectionable in water used to dilute embalming fluids because the size of the particles may be such that in aggregation, they can block capillaries and restrict fluid distribution and tissue preservation.
Turbidity
Any chemical absorbed into bodily tissues having harmful or fatal potential.
Toxin Chemical
A poisonous substance produced by certain microorganisms.
Toxin Biological
The degree to which a substance can harm an organism.
Toxicity
Extracellular toxin produced and released by bacterial cells as a normal physiological process.
Exotoxin
Intracellular toxin produced and retained by bacterial cells and released only by destruction of death to the cells.
Endotoxin
Any substance that s injurious to health or causes death, either taken internally or applied externally.
Poison
An agent that counteracts the effects of an ingested poison, either by inactivating it or by opposing its action following absorption.
Antidote
The minimum amount of toxin which when injected into a test animal will kill it in a specific amount of time.
MLD (Minimal Lethal Dose)
The median dose of a toxin that will kill within a stated period of time 50% of the animals inoculated.
LD.50 (Lethal Dose: 50)
Our most important cleaning agent generally used before a disinfectant is applied. It’s major action is to aid in the mechanical destruction and removal of microbes. Usually made from fat and lye and depend on their content of alkali for their cleaning action. Grime and bacteria are suspended from the surface of an object and are washed off with water. Combine with calcium and magnesium salts in hard water to form an insoluble scum. If followed by a germicide it should be thoroughly washed off with 70% alcohol before the germicide is applied, because some germicides will combine with this to form inert compounds.
Soap
A term to distinguish synthetic compounds from soaps. Made from fats and oils by a complicated chemical process. Ionized in water, it is electrically charged ions attach themselves to dirt and carry the dirt and microbes away with the rinse of water. Dissolve readily in cold water and completely in even the hardest water.
Detergents
A mixture of formaldehyde gas dissolved in water with 40% by volume, 37% by weight and contains 7% methyl alcohol to prevent polymerization.
Formalin
Represent a large group of compounds which act against many vegetative bacteria by attack the cytoplasmic membrane. Widely used for the disinfection of clean inanimate objects. They are not effective against hydrophilic viruses but are effective against lipophilic agents. Cationic detergents. Many bacteria are resistant to this group but are easily inactivated by soaps, detergents and organic materials.
QUATS (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds)
An unstable salt usually produced in an aqueous solution and used as a bleaching and disinfecting agent. A powerful oxidizing agent. (1-10 dilution)
Sodium Hypochlorite (Clorox)
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.
Bischloromethyl Ether (BCME)
The destruction and/or inhibition of most pathogenic organisms and their products in or on the body.
Disinfection
A non-toxic disinfectant suitable for the use on animal tissue.
Antiseptic
Process that renders a substance free of all microorganisms.
Sterilization
Institution of disinfection and decontamination measures after the preparation of the remains.
Terminal Disinfection
The formation or presence of an attached blood clot.
Thrombosis
Free floating object in the bloodstream.
Embolism
Vitamin K is used primarily in those persons who display a pronounced tendency to hemorrhage. Its purpose is to restore a normal clotting time. It does not cause the blood to clot at a rate much faster than normal. This vitamin is synthesized by the action of colon bacilli in the intestinal tract. Vitamin K1 is derived from such green plants as alfalfa. Vitamin K2 is derived from decomposed fishmeal.
Medical Coagulants
The purpose is the prevention of clotting within the blood vessels of a living person. They are often used following a non-fatal coronary occlusion with myocardial infarction (often due to clots- thrombi or emboli).
Medical Anticoagulants
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
A stitch used to close puncture holes other than the purse string suture. Can only be used on circular incisions and is leak proof.
N-Stitch (Reverse Stitch)
- Type of incision used by the Egyptians
- Usually an S shaped needle with a cutting edge and a heavy ligature
- Stitch is made from beneath, up through the skin and the needle is crossed from side to side with each stitch.
- Strong closure, but pulls the tissues adjacent to the incision upward into a ridge.
- Keep the ligature taut after each suture.
Baseball Stitch (Sail Stitch)
A suture made around the circumference of a circular opening or puncture to close it or to hold the margins in position.
Purse String Suture
A method of sewing an incision along the edges without entering the opening whereby the suture becomes invisible and the line of suture becomes depressed, which lends it ease in concealment by waxing.
Worm Suture (Inversion Stitch)
Formally called infectious hepatitis. It is caused by the enterically transmitted (fecal-oral route).
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)
Severe infectious bloodborne virus.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Spread by contaminated blood or body fluids.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
A bloodborne virus, it can only exist in combination with the hepatitis B virus. HBV vaccine will offer protection against this.
Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)
Transmitted by contaminated water and human waste.
Hepatits E Virus (HEV)
A bloodborne Virus.
Hepatitis G Virus (HGV)
- Single suturing needle with a non-cutting edge
- Used on exposed areas of the body
- Suturing needle is brought though the surface and directed through the subcutaneous tissue.
- Small needle and thin ligature
- Nothing should show in the surface
- Does not hold well if used through fatty tissue.
Single Intradermal Suture (Hidden Stitch)
