CMT CMT Anatomy & Pathology for Mortuary Science 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which pathological condition causes jaundice and is characterized by yellowing of skin and sclera due to excess bilirubin?
- Hepatic (liver) disease or bile duct obstruction (Correct answer)
- Renal failure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes mellitus
Correct answer: Hepatic (liver) disease or bile duct obstruction
Jaundice results from excess bilirubin accumulation in tissues, most commonly caused by liver disease or bile duct obstruction preventing normal bilirubin excretion.
Question 2: What is ascites, and how does it affect embalming procedures?
- Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity, requiring aspiration before or during cavity embalming (Correct answer)
- A skin condition causing discoloration
- Bone mineral loss that weakens the skeleton
- Inflammatory lung disease
Correct answer: Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity, requiring aspiration before or during cavity embalming
Ascites is excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity (often from liver or heart disease) that must be aspirated during cavity embalming to allow proper treatment of abdominal organs.
Question 3: What is the significance of a decedent having been on anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners) for embalming?
- It increases the risk of excessive bleeding and pooling of blood, complicating drainage and increasing restorative challenges (Correct answer)
- It accelerates embalming fluid absorption
- It makes the skin more resistant to discoloration
- It has no effect on embalming
Correct answer: It increases the risk of excessive bleeding and pooling of blood, complicating drainage and increasing restorative challenges
Anticoagulants inhibit clotting, so blood remains more fluid post-mortem, increasing risk of blood leakage from vessels and causing significant discoloration and drainage challenges.
Question 4: Which organ system is responsible for producing the enzymes that begin autolysis (self-digestion) after death?
- The digestive system's own enzymatic activity within cells (lysosomes) (Correct answer)
- The cardiovascular system
- The respiratory system
- The immune system
Correct answer: The digestive system's own enzymatic activity within cells (lysosomes)
After death, lysosomal enzymes within cells are released and begin breaking down cellular structures (autolysis), starting in organs with high enzyme content like the gastrointestinal tract.
Question 5: What condition is indicated by petechiae (small red or purple hemorrhagic spots) observed on a decedent's skin?
- Rupture of small capillaries, often associated with asphyxia, sepsis, or coagulopathy (Correct answer)
- Normal post-mortem discoloration from livor mortis
- Evidence of embalming fluid reaction
- Burn injuries
Correct answer: Rupture of small capillaries, often associated with asphyxia, sepsis, or coagulopathy
Petechiae are tiny hemorrhages caused by capillary rupture and are associated with asphyxia, blood disorders, or systemic infection — and may signal a medical examiner case.
Question 6: Which anatomical term describes the body cavity containing the heart and lungs?
- Thoracic cavity (Correct answer)
- Abdominal cavity
- Pelvic cavity
- Cranial cavity
Correct answer: Thoracic cavity
The thoracic cavity is enclosed by the rib cage and diaphragm and contains the heart (in the pericardial sac) and lungs (in the pleural cavities).
CMT CMT Anatomy & Pathology for Mortuary Science 2
Which pathological condition causes jaundice and is characterized by yellowing of skin and sclera due to excess bilirubin?