Embalming I Final Exam
Advantages of embalming with Formaldehyde - Answer-1. Inexpensive to produce
2. Inhibits mold and yeast growth
3. It is a bactericidal
4. Preservation of body by firming tissues
Disadvantages of embalming with Formaldehyde - Answer-1. Rapidly coagulates blood
2. Constricts Capillaries
3. Dehydrates Tissues
4. Unpleasant odor and irritating to the Embalmer
5. Carcinogenic
How does formaldehyde react with body proteins to bring about preservation? - Answer-It achieves
preservation by cross-linking proteins at the peptide linkage. This changes them into a new component
that is resistant to putrefaction. It sets a methylene bridge between the nitrogens in the amino groups
of adjacent proteins. Water is formed and coiled/folded proteins in the tissues are undone/cross-linked.
The reaction of the amino and acid portions of the folds releases the water molecules causing
dehydration
Anticoagulants are sometimes referred to as water conditioners. How do they condition the water? -
Answer-After death, blood tends to collect in the capillary bed in the dependent parts of the body and
thickens/clots very easily. Anticoagulants maintain blood in a liquid state sot hat it can be easily
displaced from the body. it stops the clotting process and softens clots so that they break into smaller
ones (probably doesn't liquify existing clots)
, What is the difference between active and inactive dyes? - Answer-Active dyes are dyes that stain tissue
and impart color. Inactive dyes lend color in the bottle but does not stain the tissue. Often active dyes
are usually a blend of dyes.
What is meant by vehicle in embalming fluids and what is its purpose? - Answer-The vehicle (carrier) is a
solvent or mixture of solvents that keeps the active substances in a stable and uniform state during
transport through the circulatory system to all parts of the body
The three states of Formaldehyde - Answer-1. Colorless Gas: It is soluble in water at room temperature.
It has a strong irritating odor and is located everywhere from lightning to vaccines and even the cooking
of specific vegetables
2. Aqueous Solution: Gas dissolved in water is called formalin. It has a density slightly greater than water
and corresponds to a solution that is 40% formaldehyde by volume.
3. Solid: The precipitate of formaldehyde is called paraformaldehyde. It drops out of the solution to the
bottom of the container and causes the concentration of formaldehyde throughout the solution to not
be uniform
Arterial Fluid - Answer-Embalming, vascular, or preservative fluid. The concentrated fluid poured into
the tank to which other chemicals are added (Water correctives, modifiers, etc.)
Arterial Solution - Answer-It can also be referred to as embalming solution or primary dilution. It refers
to the fluid in the tank used for injection into the body
Cavity Fluid - Answer-Concentrated fluid formulated for injection, into the cavity after aspiration. Other
uses include Hypoinjection and surface compresses.
Glutaraldehyde - Answer-It was developed in the 1950s and contains a 5 carbon straight chain
dialdehyde. It reacts with protein over a wide pH. Both glyoxal and glutaraldehyde are liquid at room
temperature
Advantages of embalming with Formaldehyde - Answer-1. Inexpensive to produce
2. Inhibits mold and yeast growth
3. It is a bactericidal
4. Preservation of body by firming tissues
Disadvantages of embalming with Formaldehyde - Answer-1. Rapidly coagulates blood
2. Constricts Capillaries
3. Dehydrates Tissues
4. Unpleasant odor and irritating to the Embalmer
5. Carcinogenic
How does formaldehyde react with body proteins to bring about preservation? - Answer-It achieves
preservation by cross-linking proteins at the peptide linkage. This changes them into a new component
that is resistant to putrefaction. It sets a methylene bridge between the nitrogens in the amino groups
of adjacent proteins. Water is formed and coiled/folded proteins in the tissues are undone/cross-linked.
The reaction of the amino and acid portions of the folds releases the water molecules causing
dehydration
Anticoagulants are sometimes referred to as water conditioners. How do they condition the water? -
Answer-After death, blood tends to collect in the capillary bed in the dependent parts of the body and
thickens/clots very easily. Anticoagulants maintain blood in a liquid state sot hat it can be easily
displaced from the body. it stops the clotting process and softens clots so that they break into smaller
ones (probably doesn't liquify existing clots)
, What is the difference between active and inactive dyes? - Answer-Active dyes are dyes that stain tissue
and impart color. Inactive dyes lend color in the bottle but does not stain the tissue. Often active dyes
are usually a blend of dyes.
What is meant by vehicle in embalming fluids and what is its purpose? - Answer-The vehicle (carrier) is a
solvent or mixture of solvents that keeps the active substances in a stable and uniform state during
transport through the circulatory system to all parts of the body
The three states of Formaldehyde - Answer-1. Colorless Gas: It is soluble in water at room temperature.
It has a strong irritating odor and is located everywhere from lightning to vaccines and even the cooking
of specific vegetables
2. Aqueous Solution: Gas dissolved in water is called formalin. It has a density slightly greater than water
and corresponds to a solution that is 40% formaldehyde by volume.
3. Solid: The precipitate of formaldehyde is called paraformaldehyde. It drops out of the solution to the
bottom of the container and causes the concentration of formaldehyde throughout the solution to not
be uniform
Arterial Fluid - Answer-Embalming, vascular, or preservative fluid. The concentrated fluid poured into
the tank to which other chemicals are added (Water correctives, modifiers, etc.)
Arterial Solution - Answer-It can also be referred to as embalming solution or primary dilution. It refers
to the fluid in the tank used for injection into the body
Cavity Fluid - Answer-Concentrated fluid formulated for injection, into the cavity after aspiration. Other
uses include Hypoinjection and surface compresses.
Glutaraldehyde - Answer-It was developed in the 1950s and contains a 5 carbon straight chain
dialdehyde. It reacts with protein over a wide pH. Both glyoxal and glutaraldehyde are liquid at room
temperature
