Funeral Service Mortuary Science and Pathology Flashcards
7 cards from real Funeral Service Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Funeral Service Mortuary Science and Pathology flashcards as text
Which chemical is the primary active preservative agent in most arterial embalming fluids?
Answer: Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is the principal preservative in arterial embalming fluids, cross-linking proteins to retard decomposition and disinfect tissue.
The term 'manner of death' refers to:
Answer: The circumstances under which death occurred (natural, accident, homicide, suicide, undetermined)
Manner of death classifies how a death came about into categories such as natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or undetermined.
Which of the following best describes 'saponification' as a postmortem change?
Answer: Conversion of body fat into a soap-like substance called adipocere
Saponification is the hydrolysis of body fats into adipocere, a grayish waxy substance that forms in moist, anaerobic conditions.
In embalming, 'index' most commonly refers to the:
Answer: Formaldehyde concentration expressed as a percentage of the total fluid
The index of an embalming fluid indicates the percentage of formaldehyde (or equivalent preservative) it contains, used to calculate the proper dilution.
A decedent who died of carbon monoxide poisoning would most likely present with what unusual skin color?
Answer: Cherry red
Carbon monoxide binds hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, producing the characteristic cherry-red or bright pink skin color.
The right common carotid artery is a preferred injection site primarily because:
Answer: It is easily accessible and supplies blood to the head and face
The right common carotid artery is favored for head and face distribution and is easily located in the neck for arterial injection.
What is the role of a 'co-injection fluid' used alongside arterial embalming solution?
Answer: To enhance distribution, condition tissue, and counteract adverse effects of the primary fluid
Co-injection fluids are supplemental solutions added to the arterial fluid to improve penetration, soften tissue, and buffer the effects of high-index preservatives.