Embalming is defined as the disinfecting, preserving and restoration of the dead human body to a natural form and color. Sanibalming is the primary purpose of the embalming process. Embalming is a temporary process which prevents, retards and controls postmortem changes (decomposition).
Sanibalming interacts with intrinsic and extrinsic microbial agents and their enzymatic products. It also provides neutralization for the body’s normal enzymes which at death activate the autolysis (self-digestion) process.
Embalming bi-passes the rotting stages of decomposition and allows for an eventual body breakdown through oxidation and dissolution. Oxidation is a combination of oxygen with the loss of one or more electrons. Dissolution is a separation of compounds.
Decomposition is an overall description of a series of processes which occurs within the body’s components after death. The body is made up of elements combined to form compounds, which combine to form the basic structural unit of the body -- the cell.
Cells combine to form tissues and tissues combine to form organs which ultimately combine to form the systems of the body. The tripod of life is formed by three interrelated systems -- nervous, circulatory and the respiratory systems. They, in turn, support eight other systems and those are dependent on the tripod of life.
The tripod is so interdependent that if any part dies, the others are soon to follow. This activates a reverse process. The systems break down, followed by the tissues, the cells and the compounds until the body reverts back to the elements. What was the tripod of life becomes the tripod of death.
An example:
To build a protein molecule:
ELEMENTS
Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Oxygen Sulfur
C H N O S
COMPOUNDS
Carbon dioxide Hydrogen sulfate Ammonia Water Hydrogen
CO2 H2S NH3 H2O H
AMINES
AMINO ACID
PROTEIN
Study the above chart which builds a protein molecule from top to bottom. Reverse the process and study from the bottom to the top and you will have the breakdown of the protein molecule back to its element. This breakdown is a decomposition process known as putrefaction.
• Element - a simple substance which cannot be decomposed by chemical means.
• Component - a constituent element or part.
• Compound - a substance made up of two or more materials.
• Amine - an organic compound containing nitrogen.
• Amino Acid - One of a class of organic compounds containing amino and carboxyl group.
• Protein - a group of complex organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and Sulfur.
• Decomposition - the sum total of a number of processes;
• Lipolysis - breakdown of fats.
• Fermentation - breakdown of carbohydrates.
• Saccharolysis - breakdown of sugars
• Putrefaction - breakdown of protein (rotting, decay)
• Autolysis - self-digestion by bodies own enzymes.
• Saponification - breakdown and transformation of fatty tissue in a wet environment into grave wax or adipocere (greasy soapy substance).
• Maceration - breakdown in a liquid medium.
ANATOMICAL DECOMPOSITION FOLLOWS SEQUENTIALLY
• Histologically - cells, tissues and organs
• Specific tissues:
a) Liquid - blood and lymph
b) Soft - parenchyma functional elements of the organs.
c) Firm - muscles and supporting matrix of organs
d) Hard - cartilage and bone
• Compound Sequence
a) Carbohydrates
b) Proteins
c) Fats
d) Firm Protein (connective tissues) (can af beer)
e) Bone (Non Responsive tissue to formaldehyde during process)
• Organ sequential order
a) Linings of the larynx and trachea
b) Infant Brain
c) Stomach
d) Intestines
e) Spleen
f) Mesentery
g) Liver
h) Adult Brain
i) Heart
j) Lungs
k) Kidneys
l) Urinary Bladder
m) Esophagus
n) Pancreas
o) Diaphragm
p) Blood Vessels
q) Non-pregnant Uterus
• Visual Signs
a) Color
b) Odor
c) Gas
d) Purge
e) Skin Slip (desquamation)
Briefly we have previewed the life and death processes which will influence those changes and which will have an impact on the process of disinfection, preservation and restoration. This understanding will provide the practitioner with that knowledge necessary to prepare a dead body for the funeralization process.
The inanimate environment surrounding the handling and care of the dead human body may be the growing menace of the decade. Sanitation of our everyday surroundings may be our only defense.
Sanitary maintenance of the preparation facilities should be paramount in creating a safe working environment. With nosocomial infections increasing at an alarming rate within medical facilities, we as funeral service practitioners must take upon ourselves to create and maintain a healthful safe working environment.
Part 2 will deal with creating a safe working environment and the sequence of operational procedures for embalming.