FREE BMS Bachelor of Mortuary Science Embalming and Restorative Arts Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which embalming chemical is primarily used as a preservative to inhibit decomposition by cross-linking proteins?

Answer: Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is the primary preservative chemical in embalming fluids, working by cross-linking tissue proteins to prevent decomposition.

What is the recommended order of cavity embalming after arterial injection?

Answer: Aspirate cavity contents, then inject cavity fluid

Standard practice requires aspirating the cavity contents first using a trocar and hydroaspirator before injecting concentrated cavity chemical.

In restorative art, what material is most commonly used to rebuild damaged or missing facial features?

Answer: Mortuary wax

Mortuary wax is the standard restorative material because it is pliable, can be shaped to match natural contours, and accepts cosmetics well.

What is the primary purpose of using a humectant in embalming fluid?

Answer: To retain moisture in tissues and prevent dehydration

Humectants such as glycerin and sorbitol are added to embalming solutions to maintain tissue moisture and prevent the drying and shrinking of features.

Which injection site provides the most direct access to the common carotid artery for arterial embalming?

Answer: The base of the neck along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

The common carotid artery is accessed at the base of the neck along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, providing direct flow to the head and face.

What technique is used in restorative art to address tissue discoloration that cannot be corrected with standard cosmetics alone?

Answer: Opaque cosmetic undercoating or masking cream

Opaque cosmetic undercoating or masking cream is applied beneath regular cosmetics to block discolorations such as bruising, jaundice, or liver mortis from showing through.