Modern embalming is a specialized process combining chemistry and technique to prepare human remains for funeral services and viewing. Its purpose is threefold: to achieve thorough sanitation, provide temporary preservation by delaying decomposition, and restore a peaceful, recognizable appearance. This practice allows families the necessary time to gather, arrange services, and observe traditional rites without the immediate pressures of decay.
The Chemical Composition of Embalming Fluids
Modern preservation is accomplished through a complex, customized fluid mixture known collectively as arterial fluids. These fluids contain several components, each designed to perform a specific function within the body’s tissues. The primary chemical agents are fixatives, which alter the body’s proteins, making them unsuitable as a food source for microbes. Formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are the most common preservatives, functioning by cross-linking protein structures to stiffen and stabilize the tissue.
To support this preservation, a variety of modifying agents are included in the fluid solution. Methanol is frequently used as a solvent to keep the formaldehyde stable and improve its capacity to penetrate tissues uniformly. Humectants, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, are incorporated to counteract dehydration in the tissues. These moisture-retaining substances help maintain a more natural, supple appearance in the skin.
The solution also features surfactants, commonly referred to as wetting agents, which play an important role in fluid distribution. These agents reduce the surface tension of the fluid mixture, allowing it to move more freely and penetrate deep into the fine capillaries of the vascular network. Specialized buffer chemicals are used to maintain the fluid’s pH balance, preventing the preservatives from becoming overly acidic and causing undesirable changes in tissue color or texture. Finally, active dyes are included to confirm the fluid’s distribution, helping the technician monitor its spread and restore a lifelike color to the skin.
The Arterial and Cavity Embalming Procedure
The physical process begins with initial preparation, involving positioning the body and setting the facial features to create a restful expression. Plastic eye caps are often used beneath the eyelids to keep the eyes closed and restore a natural contour. The mouth is then secured, typically using a needle injector or sutures to hold the jaw in a closure that mimics a relaxed state.
The central part of the procedure is arterial embalming, which involves accessing the circulatory system through an incision to locate a major artery and an adjacent vein. The right common carotid artery is a frequently selected point for fluid injection, with the corresponding right jugular vein used for drainage. A centrifugal pump is connected to the artery to inject the diluted arterial solution under controlled pressure. As the embalming fluid enters the arterial system, it displaces the blood and other liquids, which are then collected as they drain from the vein.
The technician continuously monitors the signs of fluid distribution, using gentle massage of the limbs and torso to encourage the solution’s spread into smaller vessels. This injection process typically involves circulating a significant volume of solution to ensure the entire vascular system is saturated. Once the arterial injection is complete, a secondary procedure called cavity embalming is performed to treat the viscera and hollow organs.
Cavity embalming addresses the internal contents of the thoracic and abdominal regions, which are not directly reached by the arterial circulation. A sharp, hollow instrument called a trocar is inserted through a small puncture point, usually near the navel. The trocar is manipulated to pierce and aspirate the gases, fluids, and semi-solid contents from the stomach, intestines, bladder, and other organs. Following aspiration, a concentrated cavity fluid, which contains a higher percentage of fixatives, is injected into these emptied spaces to preserve the organs and prevent gaseous distension or fluid leakage.
Restorative Art and Presentation Preparation
Following the chemical preservation of the body, the focus shifts to the aesthetic preparation for viewing, known as restorative art. This stage minimizes the visible effects of illness, trauma, or post-mortem changes that occurred before the embalming process. Minor restoration involves cleansing the body, suturing any incisions, and applying surface treatments to address discoloration or blemishes.
For cases involving more significant trauma or tissue loss, advanced restorative techniques are employed. Specialized compounds like wax, putty, or tissue builder chemicals are carefully used to reconstruct or plump out sunken areas of the face or hands. The objective is to subtly rebuild and reshape features to restore a likeness that is recognizable and comforting to the family.
Cosmetic application is then performed, which includes styling the hair and applying makeup to match the individual’s natural skin tone and appearance. This step transforms the chemically preserved remains into a final, familiar presentation for the family. The body is then dressed in clothing provided by the family and carefully positioned within the casket for a final viewing.