Embalming Definition
Embalming refers to the preservation of human remains via inhibiting decomposition with the use of chemicals for the purpose of medical education or social reasons (e.g., funeral service). Embalming involves the preservation of the entire human body, and is associated with three goals:
Sanitization: Sanitizing the body during embalming involves washing the body in antimicrobial and disinfectant solutions. This process is performed in order to delay decomposition, as well as eliminate potential odors caused by bacterial species.
Preservation: Preservation of the body during embalming involves the removal of the blood and interstitial fluid, and replacing it with embalming fluid. Although the body will eventually decompose, such chemicals are able to temporarily preserve the body in its most recent condition.
Presentation: Presentation during embalming typically involves preparing the body for viewing during funeral services. During this process, the embalmer will stage the body by massaging the limbs to dispel the signs of rigor mortis, set the facial expression, shave the body, style the hair, dress the body, and apply make-up to create a more life-like appearance.
Embalming Process
The practice of embalming has been performed throughout history for various cultural and religious purposes. As such, the techniques and materials have evolved over time, and can vary between regions. In general, embalming begins with the deceased body placed in the supine position (shown below) and the head is elevated. The process is performed as follows using various tools (shown below):
Step 1: Verification of Death
The first step in the embalming process is to verify whether the deceased is in fact dead. The presence of clouded eyes, rigor mortis, lack of a pulse, and general unresponsiveness. The identification of the deceased is verified via hand and foot tags.
Step 2: Wash and Massage the Body
The clothes and personal effects are removed and the body is then sanitized using an antimicrobial detergent. The orifices (e.g., mouth) are rinsed carefully. The limbs are massaged to alleviate the signs of rigor mortis.
Step 3: Setting the Features
The embalmer poses the eyes in a closed position using a specialized eye cap. The lips are shut either by suturing, wiring, or an adhesive. The face is shaved to remove any visible stray hairs.
Step 4: Injection of Embalming Fluid
The embalmer temporarily preserves the body by injecting chemicals into the vessels and peritoneal cavity of the body. There are several different methods of injecting embalming fluid (shown below):
- Arterial embalming: Arterial embalming involves injecting the embalming fluid into the carotid artery using a centrifugal pump to displace the blood, which drains through the right jugular vein. Any clots present in the vessels are massaged out to ensure that the embalming fluid is evenly distributed throughout the body. Although injecting the embalming fluid can typically be achieved via a single injection, in some cases, multiple injection sites are required to ensure that the embalming fluid is completely distributed. A typical body can hold approximately two liters of embalming fluid. The fluid is pumped into the body using a specialized machine that monitors the pressure of the vessels during the process. Although the machine is typically sufficient, a hypodermic needle is occasionally required to inject embalming fluid into locations that may not have been reached.
- Cavity Embalming: The body cavity is performed by making an incision in the abdomen above the navel. A trocar is inserted into the incision and the contents of the organs are aspirated. The peritoneal cavity is then filled with concentrated embalming fluid and closed by suturing or the use of a trocar button.
- Surface Embalming: Surface embalming refers to the application of embalming fluid to the skin of the deceased body to preserve damage suffered during autopsy, the removal of organs for donation, or disease (e.g., cancer).
Step 5: Application of Cosmetics
As a last step, the embalmer will apply a moisturizer and various cosmetics to hide a discoloration of the skin and achieve a more natural appearance of the body. Often, the embalmer will request a recent photograph in order to apply cosmetics in a way that will most closely represent the deceased individual. Since there is a lack of circulation, make-up is used to add color and depth to the skin and face of the body. The hair is styled using oils and gels and power may be applied to cover any unpleasant odors. The body is dressed in formal clothes for viewing purposes.
How to Become an Embalmer
Training to become an embalmer requires education in the areas of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, embalming techniques and theory, and mortuary practice, all of which culminate in a certification following a practical examination. Although each region differs, there is typically a professional embalming society to which qualified embalmers are affiliated. In some areas of the world, embalming is performed by medical doctors, who may or may not be required to be certified embalmers. Similarly, morticians often perform embalming, and depending on the region, may or may not be qualified embalmers.
Quiz
1. Which of the following is NOT a part of the embalming procedure:
A. Injection of embalming fluid
B. Puncture and aspiration of the internal organs
C. Sewing the mouth shut
D. Application of contact lenses to mask the clouded appearance of the corneas
2. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding embalming:
A. The body is drained of all fluids by aspirating the carotid artery.
B. The bodily fluids are drained through the peritoneal cavity by hanging the body upside down.
C. The blood is drained out the right jugular vein via the injection of embalming fluid via the carotid artery.
D. The blood is drained out of the carotid artery via the injection of embalming fluid via the right jugular vein.
3. The purpose of embalming is to:
A. Preserve the body
B. Sanitize the body
C. Present the body
D. All of the above
References</2>
- Bilge O and Celik S. (2017). Cadaver embalming fluid for surgical training courses: modified Larssen solution. Surg Radiol Anat. May 11. doi: 10.1007/s00276-017-1865-4. [Epub ahead of print].
- Brenner E. (2014). Human body preservation – old and new techniques. J Anat. 224(3): 316-44.
- Macdonald GJ and MacGregor DB. (1997). Procedures for embalming cadavers for the dissecting laboratory. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 215(4): 363-5.