Embalming is the process of chemically treating human and animal remains to reduce decomposition and restore acceptable physical appearance. It originated in Egypt around 3200 BC and was later used by anatomists in the 15th century to preserve bodies for medical research. The modern embalming process involves arterial injection of embalming fluid containing formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, or ethanol to sanitize and preserve the body. Additional cavity embalming and surface treatments may also be used. Embalming allows for public visitations and delays decomposition so the body remains suitable for study.

1. Embalming
Submitted to :
Dr. Subhash C. Dubal
Professor
Dept. of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology
Submitted by:
Vishal A.Patel
M.V.Sc. (2nd semester)
Veterinary Anatomy & Histology
VAN - 604

2.  In the Anatomy discipline there are various methods which
are followed for preservation of animal tissues / organs as
anatomical specimens as well as for structural studies.
 Various methods are -
Introduction

3. Embalming
Plastination
Taxidermy
Cryo – preservation

5.  Arterial embalming consists of the injection of an embalming fluid into
the arterial system of the cadaver and utilizing the whole vascular system.

6.  Embalming is the process of chemically treating the dead human body
to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms, to retard
decomposition and to restore an acceptable physical appearance.
(Frederick and Strub, 1989)

7. Embalming Laboratory

8.  Embalming originated in Egypt around 3200 B.C.
 When a death occurred the person’s body was placed into a shallow grave wrapped
only in cloth or straw matting.
 The ground, which was sandy, dry and porous, contained no moisture and this
combined with the high outside temperature prevented the growth of any bacteria.

9.  The major developments in embalming which took place in Europe can be
attributed to the study by anatomists.
 Anatomists in their to study the human body in detail needed to obtain bodies and
preserve them for lengthy periods of time.
 The embalming which took place in the 15th century was done primarily so that
medical research could be conducted.
 In the early Medieval period oils of turpentine, lavender and rosemary were used
together with spirits of wine and salt for preserving the body.

10.  Later in the same period embalming liquids changed to include
chemicals such as zinc, arsenic, aluminium chloride, alcohol and zinc
sulfate.
 Methods used included arterial injection and body soaking.
 It is thought that some form of embalming was therefore utilized by Da
Vinci.
 From the late 17th century to the mid 19th century many embalming
discoveries were made by physicians.
 Important discoveries included William Harvey’s understanding of the
circulation of blood (1616 -1628) and Marcello Malpighi’s knowledge
of the existence of blood capillaries (1661).

11.  For medical and scientific
purposes such as their use as
anatomical specimens for study.
To keep the body suitable for
public display at a funeral.

12. Sanitization
Presentation
Preservation

13.  Formaldehyde
 Glutaraldehyde
 Ethanol

14. Embalming Room

15.  Arterial embalming
 Cavity embalming
 Hypodermic embalming
 Surface embalming

16. The animal is laid on the left lateral Recumbency.
The right common carotid artery is exposed through incising the right jugular furrow and by cleaning the fascia of the the artery
to allow movement and space for the canula, which is inserted into it.
When the carotid artery is raised with aneurism hooks, two (10”) pieces of ligature are placed around the artery with forceps to
hold the canula in place while embalming.
( This is done to help avoid leakage or release of the tube due to pressure exerted by the embalming apparatus.)
The common carotid artery is then incised about 4 mm long and any blood clots present are removed with forceps.
A canula is inserted in the same slit made into the artery for effective bleeding

17.  An L-shaped canula is then inserted into the carotid artery via the slit and tied
securely with a string.
 The other end of L-shaped canula is connected to polyethylene tubing which is
connected to the gravity embalming tank located above the calf.
 Before embalming fluid is injected, air is removed from the connecting tube to
avoid any possible airlocks produced by the vessels of the cadaver during the
injection of the fluid.
 Injection periods vary in each case taking 8 to 24 hours.
 This variability is due to the ability of the body to accept the fluid at its own rate.

19. Instruments
Container containing embalming fluid

20.  When all preparatory procedures have been completed, the petcock is turned on
to allow the embalming fluid to flow through the tubing, canula and into the
common carotid artery, thus dispersing the fluid into the vascular system.
 During embalming a number of small whitish splotches appear on the skin in the
region most effectively embalmed and then spread peripherally.
 This splotching effect of embalming can be used to determine the effectiveness of
the embalming condition at any given time.

21. Gravity Injector

22. Motorized Injector

23.  Cavity embalming refers to the replacement of internal fluids
inside body cavities with embalming chemicals via the use of
an aspirator and trocar.
 The embalmer makes a small incision just above
the navel (two inches superior and two inches to the right)
and pushes the trocar in the chest and stomach cavities to
puncture the hollow organs and aspirate their contents.
 The cavities are filled with concentrated chemicals that
contain formaldehyde.
 The incision is either sutured closed or a "trocar button" is
secured into place.

25.  Hypodermic embalming is a supplemental method.
 It is refers to the injection of embalming chemicals into tissue with a hypodermic
needle and syringe, which is generally used as needed on a case by case basis to treat
areas where arterial fluid has not been successfully distributed during the main
arterial injection.

27.  Surface embalming is another supplemental method-
 embalming chemicals use to preserve and restore areas directly
on the skin surface and other superficial areas.
 also use for areas of damage such as from accident,
decomposition, cancerous growth or skin donation.

28.  Specimen made available for dissection within 48 - 72 hours.
 Widely used for preparation of specimen for dissection.
 Suitable method for long time preservation of the cadaver/ organ / tissue.
 10 % formalin solution is routinely used and prepared from formaldehyde
solution that easily available in the market.

29.  Formalin embalmed specimens are moist to touch, emit toxic vapors and need
gloves to handle them.
 The formalin is an irritant to the eye and nasal mucosa.
 The natural color of the fixed specimen is altered and large sized specimens are
difficult to be handled.
 If the specimen jar is kept open formalin gets evaporated, the specimen may get
dried up and there is formation of formic acid salts which stains brown color to
the jar.
 Frequent replacement of the solution every 3 – 4 months is required.

30. THANK YOU