Anatomy & Pathology for Mortuary Technicians Flashcards
6 cards from real CMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Anatomy & Pathology for Mortuary Technicians flashcards as text
Which organ is responsible for filtering blood and is often enlarged in cases of sepsis, complicating cavity treatment?
Answer: Spleen
The spleen is an immune organ that can become greatly enlarged (splenomegaly) in cases of systemic infection, requiring careful handling during cavity work.
What is the significance of the Circle of Willis in embalming?
Answer: It connects major cerebral arteries, allowing fluid distribution to the entire brain
The Circle of Willis is an arterial ring at the base of the brain that interconnects major cerebral vessels, ensuring embalming fluid reaches all brain regions.
In cases of cancer involving massive tumor growth, what embalming challenge is most commonly encountered?
Answer: Poor fluid distribution due to obstructed vessels
Tumors can obstruct blood vessels, preventing even distribution of embalming fluid and requiring multipoint injection techniques.
Which term describes the postmortem drop in pH that contributes to rigor mortis?
Answer: Lactic acid accumulation causing acidosis
After death, lactic acid accumulates from anaerobic glycolysis, lowering tissue pH and contributing to the biochemical changes that cause rigor mortis.
Which vessel is the primary drainage point when the right common carotid artery is the injection site?
Answer: Right internal jugular vein
When the right common carotid artery is used for injection, the right internal jugular vein is the corresponding drainage vessel.
What autopsy condition requires the embalmer to use a multi-point injection approach?
Answer: The aorta has been severed, eliminating central circulation
When an autopsy severs the aorta, normal single-point arterial injection cannot distribute fluid systemically, requiring multiple regional injection sites.