BIE Diploma in Embalming - Foundation Theory key terms

Large artery on each side of the neck that supplies the head and neck and divides into internal and external branches; the right common carotid is a common site for arterial injection.

Major artery of the thigh, a continuation of the external iliac artery, often used as an injection site when the legs or the whole body are being embalmed.

Large vein in the neck that returns blood from the head; the internal jugular is frequently used as a drainage point during arterial embalming.

Network of microscopic vessels linking arterioles and venules where fluid and gases are exchanged; embalming fluid passes through it from the arterial to the venous side.

Dormant, highly resistant form produced by some bacteria, such as Clostridium species, that survives heat and many disinfectants and can germinate into an active cell.

Microorganism that rarely harms a healthy person but causes infection when the host's defences are weakened, for example by disease, wounds or medical treatment.

Infection control approach in which all blood, body fluids, secretions and non-intact skin are treated as potentially infectious, regardless of the deceased's known medical history.

Items worn to create a barrier between the worker and infectious or hazardous material, such as gloves, gown, apron, mask, eye protection and overshoes.

Process that reduces the number of pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces or equipment, usually by chemical means, but does not necessarily destroy bacterial spores.

Virus or bacterium transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Colourless, pungent gas that dissolves readily in water to form formalin; it is the main preservative in embalming fluids and fixes tissue proteins.

Number expressing the concentration of formaldehyde in an embalming fluid, conventionally the number of grams of formaldehyde per 100 millilitres of fluid.

Substance that attracts and holds moisture in tissue, helping to prevent excessive drying and hardening of the body after embalming.

Chemical that lowers surface tension, allowing embalming fluid to wet and penetrate tissues more evenly and helping to remove grease from the skin.

Agent added to embalming fluid that slows or prevents blood clotting, helping blood to remain liquid so that it can be drained from the veins.

Aromatic chemical with preservative and disinfectant properties, used in some embalming fluids but corrosive and toxic to the embalmer.

Stiffening of muscles after death caused by depletion of ATP and chemical changes in muscle fibres; it develops within hours and later resolves.

Purplish-red discoloration of the skin caused by blood settling under gravity in the lowest parts of the body after circulation stops.

Gradual cooling of the body after death until it approaches the temperature of the surrounding environment, influenced by clothing, room temperature and body size.

Decomposition of soft tissue by bacteria, producing discoloration, gas, odour and liquefaction; it follows earlier changes such as rigor and livor mortis.

Fluid, often bloody or brownish, escaping from the mouth or nose as gas pressure builds in the decomposing body; it is not the same as antemortem bleeding.

Introducing embalming fluid into the arterial system under pressure so that it travels through the vessels and capillary beds into the tissues.

Removal of blood and embalming fluid from the body through veins, usually the internal jugular or femoral vein, during arterial injection.

Force, usually measured in pounds per square inch, used to push embalming fluid into the arteries; it must overcome vascular resistance without damaging vessels.

Volume of embalming fluid delivered per unit of time, for example litres or gallons per hour, controlled by the machine setting and needle size.

Long, hollow, pointed instrument used through a small incision to aspirate gas and fluid from the body cavities and to inject cavity fluid.

Injection of small amounts of embalming fluid with a syringe and needle directly into tissue, used for localized areas such as the face or fingers.

Document supplied with a hazardous chemical that lists its hazards, safe handling, first aid, spill response and disposal information.

Extraction system that captures fumes, such as formaldehyde vapour, close to their source before they can be breathed in by the embalmer.

Waste contaminated with blood, body fluids or sharps that must be segregated, stored securely and disposed of by approved incineration or treatment.

Documented permission from the legally entitled person, such as the next of kin or executor, required before embalming can lawfully proceed.

Death that must be reported for medicolegal investigation, for example an unexpected, violent or unexplained death; embalming may require official permission.

Techniques used to rebuild or disguise damage to the deceased's features, using wax, tissue builder, sutures and cosmetics so the body looks as natural as possible.

Application of cosmetics and grooming to the deceased to restore a natural, lifelike appearance and reduce the visible effects of disease or post-mortem change.

Written record of the embalming procedure, including fluids used, injection and drainage sites, findings, problems and any restorative work carried out.

Legal and ethical obligation to act in the best interests of the deceased and the bereaved, avoiding harm and maintaining dignity and confidentiality.