Etiology of Disease and the Practitioner

  This article will deal with embalming of the lower part of the face and various forms of the head and features which identify each individual.

  When embalming the lower third of the face, move inferiorly from the base of the nose (nasal spine of the maxilla) to the chin. The maxilla union forms the entire upper jaw. The principle borders of the nasal cavity and the orbital cavities. The lower border of the mandible makes up the various forms of the chin. The mandible’s lower portions are horizontal forming the chin thus making the vertical portion perpendicular.

  Early infant care influences individual features. During early development, proper positioning of an infant has a direct influence on the size and/or shape of the head. From birth through infancy to puberty growth is rapid but ossification of the cranial and facial bones is slow.

  In the average case, individual characteristics may be retained through step-up embalming. Normal features may be recreated to a natural rubbery semi-firm consistency. An understanding of the basic physiognomies forms of the head and facial structures will give us the ability to achieve naturalness. Depth in this knowledge prepares us to do major restoration which is not an everyday practice.

  Unless performing major restorations, the embalmer works with basic natural measurements in every day practice. From current photographs (snapshots), you can identify family characteristics. No two people look exactly alike. There are similarities. Once the subterfuges are identified, the embalmer can proceed with basic alignment of specific features: mouth closure, eye closure and position of the earlobes.

  It is important to identify the profile form. There are three basic forms – vertical, concave and convex. From the three basic forms of the profile, there are six variations. They are vertical concave, convex vertical, convex concave, concave convex, vertical convex and concave vertical. These forms are determined by underlying bones of the face and cranium.

  There are seven major forms of the skull with variations in length and width. There are also relative dimensional size variations related to family traits and race. As previously mentioned, a realistic form of an individual may be represented by a continuous connection of the basic planes of the face. By comparing a photograph with the actual face of the individual, it will be apparent that the planes are simplification of the basic forms when joined.

  Every plane represents a major surface of the face or a specific feature. Two planes meet in either a groove or a ridge. This depends on whether the articulation line is recessed or projecting. These planes are the foundation of establishing the individual’s features and identity.

  On the average with proper injection techniques and chemical combinations, most bodies can be returned to natural form and color.

  The final stage is skin texture. Creating natural color may be done through internal cosmetic treatment during injection of the preservation. Final touches are usually done with a variety of cosmetic creams and powders.

  Part 23 will deal with the automatics of embalming.