CMT Anatomy & Pathology for Mortuary Science 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 CMT Anatomy & Pathology for Mortuary Science flashcards as text
Which post-mortem change is measured to help estimate time of death based on body temperature cooling rate?
Answer: Algor mortis
Algor mortis is the gradual cooling of the body after death toward ambient temperature; the rate of cooling helps medicolegal investigators estimate time of death.
What is saponification in the context of decomposition?
Answer: A process where body fat converts to a soap-like substance (adipocere) under moist, anaerobic conditions
Saponification (adipocere formation) occurs when body fats hydrolyze and solidify into a waxy, soap-like substance in moist, anaerobic burial conditions.
What is the significance of the Circle of Willis in arterial embalming?
Answer: It is an anastomotic arterial network at the base of the brain that helps distribute embalming fluid to the cranial region
The Circle of Willis is a ring of interconnected arteries at the brain's base that distributes blood (and embalming fluid) to all regions of the brain during injection.
Which organ is most susceptible to rapid autolytic decomposition after death and requires priority in cavity embalming?
Answer: Pancreas
The pancreas contains powerful proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes that begin autolysis rapidly after death, making it among the first abdominal organs to decompose.
What is the relevance of AIDS/HIV infection to mortuary technician safety and embalming procedures?
Answer: HIV remains potentially infectious post-mortem, requiring standard precautions and proper PPE to prevent transmission through blood or fluid contact
HIV can remain viable in body fluids for a period after death, so mortuary technicians must use full standard precautions (PPE, safe sharps handling) to prevent occupational exposure.
What is the purpose of the trocar in cavity embalming?
Answer: A long hollow instrument used to puncture body cavities for aspiration of fluids and gases and injection of cavity fluid
The trocar is a pointed hollow instrument inserted through the abdominal wall to aspirate gas and fluid from body cavities and then inject cavity preservative chemicals.