Have you ever wanted to know how the embalming process works? Most people will stumble for an answer to explain how morticians make the deceased presentable for a funeral. It is understandable for people to be discouraged about learning about embalming. But for the curious, I have researched and have thus been able to have the opportunity to describe the process.
The first step in all embalming processes is to make sure the body is deceased. The body must then be unclothed and a modesty cloth will then cover the genitalia. While the body is washed with disinfectant and germicidal solutions, the embalmer will massage the muscles to relieve rigor mortis, the stiffness in death. The embalmer will then close the eyes and mouth, using an eye cap for the eyes and usually by setting a wire into the maxilla and mandible with a needle injector for the mouth. The embalmer takes care to make the facial expression look relaxed and peaceful. This is best done with a recent photograph of the deceased. The preparation for presentation is known as “setting the features.”
After preparing for presentation, embalming fluids are injected into the blood vessels usually through the right common carotid vein and come out as “drainage” from the right jugular vein. A centrifugal pump is used to circulate the embalming fluids while the embalmer massages the body so that the fluids circulate through it. Injection and “drainage” can be used in more than just one vein.
Hollow organs are then usually filled with formaldehyde. After that, tissues are injected with embalming chemicals using a hypodermic needle and syringe. Finally embalming chemicals are also used to preserve or restore the skin. On a normal occasion, embalming takes several hours to complete. Embalming delays the decomposition of the human body and thus is a great way to present the deceased at a funeral.
- Daniel Folds
The first step in all embalming processes is to make sure the body is deceased. The body must then be unclothed and a modesty cloth will then cover the genitalia. While the body is washed with disinfectant and germicidal solutions, the embalmer will massage the muscles to relieve rigor mortis, the stiffness in death. The embalmer will then close the eyes and mouth, using an eye cap for the eyes and usually by setting a wire into the maxilla and mandible with a needle injector for the mouth. The embalmer takes care to make the facial expression look relaxed and peaceful. This is best done with a recent photograph of the deceased. The preparation for presentation is known as “setting the features.”
After preparing for presentation, embalming fluids are injected into the blood vessels usually through the right common carotid vein and come out as “drainage” from the right jugular vein. A centrifugal pump is used to circulate the embalming fluids while the embalmer massages the body so that the fluids circulate through it. Injection and “drainage” can be used in more than just one vein.
Hollow organs are then usually filled with formaldehyde. After that, tissues are injected with embalming chemicals using a hypodermic needle and syringe. Finally embalming chemicals are also used to preserve or restore the skin. On a normal occasion, embalming takes several hours to complete. Embalming delays the decomposition of the human body and thus is a great way to present the deceased at a funeral.
- Daniel Folds