Vocabulary for Exam 5

Question 1

Group of chemicals used in addition to vascular (arterial) and Cavity embalming fluids, includes but is not limited to hardening compounds, preservative powders, sealing agents, mold preventative agents, and pack application agents.

Answer 1

Accessory Chemicals

Question 2

Dyes which aid in restoring a life-like surface pigmentation to a body and also stain the body tissue cells.

Answer 2

Active Dyes (Staining Dyes, Cosmetic Dyes)

Question 3

Severe, generalized edema.

Answer 3

Anasarca

Question 4

A chemical which affects the stabilization of the acid-base (pH) balance within embalming solutions and in the embalmed tissues.

Answer 4

Buffers

Question 5

A breakdown of HCHO caused by strongly alkaline solutions.

Answer 5

Cannizzaro’s Reaction

Question 6

Minute blood vessels, the walls of which comprise a single layer of endothelial cells. Connect the smallest arteries (arteriole) with the smallest veins (venules) and are where pressure filtration occurs.

Answer 6

Capillaries

Question 7

The injection of a specialized chemical in conjunction with the routine arterial chemical.

Answer 7

Co-Injection

Question 8

Large Solutes.

Answer 8

Colloidal

Question 9

A solution-like system in which the size of the particle is between 1 and 100 nanometers. Particles of solute pass through filters but not membranes.

Answer 9

Collioid

Question 10

Inorganic salts that have molecules small enough to pass through semi-permeable membranes and pass through capillary walls and into tissue cells to produce disinfection and preservation.

Answer 10

Crystalloids

Question 11

Weight per unit volume.

Answer 11

Density

Question 12

Sloughing off of the epidermis, wherein there is a separation of the epidermis from the underlying dermis.

Answer 12

Desquamation (Skin Slip)

Question 13

When a crystalloid solution is separated by a semi-permeable membrane, which permits the penetration of crystalloids but excludes colloids, then as water is drawn by osmotic attraction into the colloidal mixture, then dissolved crystalloids will be drawn in as well.
(Separation of substances in solution by the difference in their rates of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane).

Answer 13

Dialysis (Selective Diffusion)

Question 14

The movement of molecules or other particles in solution from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration until a uniform concentration is reached.

Answer 14

Diffusion

Question 15

The pushing of blood out of the venous system by the embalming machine forcing arterial fluid solution throughout the vascular system.
The volume or weight of a fluid (as water) displaced by a floating body (as a ship) of equal weight.

Answer 15

Displacement

Question 16

The movement of embalming solutions from the point of injection throughout the arterial system and into the capillaries.

Answer 16

Distribution

Question 17

Condition that results when the body part that dies had little blood and remains aseptic and occurs when the arteries but not the veins are obstructed.

Answer 17

Dry Gangrene

Question 18

Abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissue or body cavities.

Answer 18

Edema (Dropsy)

Question 19

Removal of particles (liquid or solid) from a solution, as it passes through a membrane or other partial barrier.

Answer 19

Filtration

Question 20

Antemortem necrosis in a wound infected by an anaerobic gas forming bacillus, the most common etiologic agent being Clostridium perfringens.

Answer 20

Gas Gangrene

Question 21

Extravascular movement of preservative fluids by gravitational force to the dependent areas of the body.

Answer 21

Gravity Filtration

Question 22

Chemical in powder form that has the ability to absorb and to disinfect. Often used in cavity treatment of autopsied cases.

Answer 22

Hardening Compound

Question 23

A solution having greater concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared.

Answer 23

Hypertonic Solution

Question 24

A solution having a lesser concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared.

Answer 24

Hypotonic Solution

Question 25

A solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute to that of a standard of reference.

Answer 25

Isotonic Solution

Question 26

A colorless, poisonous liquid which is a good solvent, especially for HCHO, it also has some antiseptic and preservative qualities. It prevents formaldehyde from polymerizing to paraformaldehyde.

Answer 26

Methanol (Wood Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol)

Question 27

Chemicals added to the embalming solution to deal with the varying demands predicted upon the embalming fluid to be used, the type of embalming and the environment.

Answer 27

Modifying Agents

Question 28

The passage of solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a semipermeable membrane.

Answer 28

Osmosis (Hindered Diffusion)

Question 29

A polymer of formaldehyde and exists as a sold. It is almost pure formaldehyde. It is INSOLUBLE, so it cannot be used in embalming fluids. It is most commonly used in the powdered preservative compositions such as hardening compounds and embalming powders, deodorizing powders, sealing powders, and cavity desiccants. Has a moderate oral toxicity and low dermal toxicity. Can produce formaldehyde when heated. It is a moderate fire risk and can react with oxidizers.

Answer 29

Para-Formaldehyde (HCHO Crystals)

Question 30

Dyes which do not impart a definite color to the tissues. Commonly used in certain embalming chemicals to color to fluid so the embalmer can distinguish between the different bottles. Found in cavity fluid, pre/co-injection fluid and preservative jelly.

Answer 30

Passive Dyes (Non-Cosmetic Dyes, Inactive Dyes)

Question 31

The formation of a suspension of an insoluble compound by mixing two solutions. This is the chemical reaction in which a compound is made into a polymer. (HCHO Crystal). This is the breakdown phase/process.

Answer 31

Polymerization (Precipitation)

Question 32

The injection of specialized chemical prior to the injection of a routine arterial chemical.

Answer 32

Pre-Injection

Question 33

Chemical in powder form; typically used for surface embalming of the remains.

Answer 33

Preservative Powder

Question 34

Positive intravascular pressure causing passage of embalming solution through the capillary wall to diffuse with the interstitial fluids; causing passage of embalming fluid from an intravascular to an extravascular position.

Answer 34

Pressure Filtration

Question 35

Occurs in the tank of your injector. It is the dilution of the concentrated fluid with water to form the arterial fluid solution.

Answer 35

Primary Dilution (Primary Solution)

Question 36

The union of the tissue juices and liquids of the body (both vascular and interstitial) with the arterial fluid solution to further reduce the concentration of the preservative ingredients. This always occurs within the body.

Answer 36

Secondary Dilution (Secondary Solution)

Question 37

The substance that is dissolved in a solution.

Answer 37

Solute

Question 38

Liquid containing dissolved substance.

Answer 38

Solution

Question 39

A liquid holding another substance in solution.

Answer 39

Solvent

Question 40

The ratio found by comparing the weight of a given volume of a substance with an equal volume of water.

Answer 40

Specific Gravity (Specific Density)

Question 41

Situated or occurring beneath the skin.

Answer 41

Subcutaneous

Question 42

Distention of the tissues beneath the skin by gas or air; an antemortem condition brought about by a surgical procedure or trauma.

Answer 42

Subcutaneous Emphysema

Question 43

Chemicals intended for purposes other than preservation and disinfection.

Answer 43

Supplemental Chemicals

Question 44

The force that acts on the surface of a liquid and tends to minimize surface area.

Answer 44

Surface Tension

Question 45

Chemical that reduces the molecular cohesion of a liquid so that it can flow through smaller apertures.

Answer 45

Surfactant (Wetting Agent, Surface Tension Reducer, Penetrating Agent, Surface Active Agent)

Question 46

Postmortem accumulation of gas in tissues or cavities brought about by an anaerobic gas forming bacillus (clostridium perfringens).

Answer 46

Tissue Gas

Question 47

Homogeneous mixture of two or more substances able to pass through a semi-permeable membrane. The size of the solute particles is less than one nanometer.

Answer 47

True Solution

Question 48

A condition resulting from the use of an embalming solution containing an insufficient amount of preservative to meet the preservation demand of the tissues; the interstitial spaces are overly filled, engorged with water.

Answer 48

Water-Logged

Question 49

Necrotic tissue that is wet as a result of inadequate venous drainage; may be accompanied by bacterial infection.

Answer 49

Wet Gangrene (Moist Gangrene)

Question 50

Degree of acidity or alkalinity. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, 0 being completely acid, 14 being completely alkaline (basic), and 7 neutral. Blood has a range of 7.35-7.45.

Answer 50

pH (Potential of Hydrogen)

Question 51

Chemicals which retard the tendency of blood to become more viscous by natural postmortem processes or prevent adverse reactions between blood and other embalming chemicals. May be principal ingredients of a non-preservative, pre-injection fluid or co-injection fluid.

Answer 51

Anticoagulant

Question 52

An agent used to remove chemical constituents from municipal water supplies that could interfere with drainage and preservation.

Answer 52

Water Conditioner

Question 53

Grey discoloration of the body caused by the reaction of formaldehyde from the embalming process with hemoglobin to form methyl hemoglobin.

Answer 53

HCHO Grey (Formaldehyde Grey)

Question 54

Postmortem stiffening of the body muscles by natural body processes.

Answer 54

Rigor Mortis (Cadaveric Rigidity)

Question 55

Loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem. (Antemortem- febrile disease, diarrhea or emesis; Postmortem- injection of embalming solution or through absorption by the air).

Answer 55

Dehydration

Question 56

Rendered thoroughly dry, exhausted of moisture.

Answer 56

Dessiccation

Question 57

The process of converting soluble protein into insoluble protein by heating or contact with a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde. The solidification of a solid into a gelatinous mass. Agglutination is a specific form of this.

Answer 57

Coagulation

Question 58

Intravascular: The increase of viscosity of blood brought about by the clumping of particulate formed elements in the blood vessels which is a specific type of congealing.

Answer 58

Agglutination

Question 59

A substance that causes a chemical reaction to occur but is not itself involved in the reaction (it does not permanently chemically change).

Answer 59

Catalyst

Question 60

Injection of very strong arterial fluid (often waterless) under relatively high pressure into the head and face through both common carotid arteries to effect preservation and disinfection while minimizing swelling.

Answer 60

Instant Tissue Fixation ("Head Freeze")

Question 61

Injection of an arterial solution composed of a preservative embalming fluid which is diluted with supplemental chemicals such as humectants, water conditioners and co-injections.

Answer 61

Waterless Embalming

Question 62

Sharply pointed surgical instrument used in cavity embalming to aspirate the cavities and inject cavity fluid. May also be used for supplemental hypodermic embalming.

Answer 62

Trocar

Question 63

Embalming instrument used to hypodermically inject areas of the body with embalming chemicals.

Answer 63

Hypo Valve Trocar (Parietal Needle)

Question 64

The action of a force against an opposing force (a force applied or acting against resistance).

Answer 64

Pressure

Question 65

A cloudiness resulting from the presence of suspended particles in water. Objectionable in water used to dilute embalming fluids because the size of the particles may be such that in aggregation, they can block capillaries and restrict fluid distribution and tissue preservation.

Answer 65

Turbidity

Question 66

Any chemical absorbed into bodily tissues having harmful or fatal potential.

Answer 66

Toxin Chemical

Question 67

A poisonous substance produced by certain microorganisms.

Answer 67

Toxin Biological

Question 68

The degree to which a substance can harm an organism.

Answer 68

Toxicity

Question 69

Extracellular toxin produced and released by bacterial cells as a normal physiological process.

Answer 69

Exotoxin

Question 70

Intracellular toxin produced and retained by bacterial cells and released only by destruction of death to the cells.

Answer 70

Endotoxin

Question 71

Any substance that s injurious to health or causes death, either taken internally or applied externally.

Answer 71

Poison

Question 72

An agent that counteracts the effects of an ingested poison, either by inactivating it or by opposing its action following absorption.

Answer 72

Antidote

Question 73

The minimum amount of toxin which when injected into a test animal will kill it in a specific amount of time.

Answer 73

MLD (Minimal Lethal Dose)

Question 74

The median dose of a toxin that will kill within a stated period of time 50% of the animals inoculated.

Answer 74

LD.50 (Lethal Dose: 50)

Question 75

Our most important cleaning agent generally used before a disinfectant is applied. It's major action is to aid in the mechanical destruction and removal of microbes. Usually made from fat and lye and depend on their content of alkali for their cleaning action. Grime and bacteria are suspended from the surface of an object and are washed off with water. Combine with calcium and magnesium salts in hard water to form an insoluble scum. If followed by a germicide it should be thoroughly washed off with 70% alcohol before the germicide is applied, because some germicides will combine with this to form inert compounds.

Answer 75

Soap

Question 76

A term to distinguish synthetic compounds from soaps. Made from fats and oils by a complicated chemical process. Ionized in water, it is electrically charged ions attach themselves to dirt and carry the dirt and microbes away with the rinse of water. Dissolve readily in cold water and completely in even the hardest water.

Answer 76

Detergents

Question 77

A mixture of formaldehyde gas dissolved in water with 40% by volume, 37% by weight and contains 7% methyl alcohol to prevent polymerization.

Answer 77

Formalin

Question 78

Represent a large group of compounds which act against many vegetative bacteria by attack the cytoplasmic membrane. Widely used for the disinfection of clean inanimate objects. They are not effective against hydrophilic viruses but are effective against lipophilic agents. Cationic detergents. Many bacteria are resistant to this group but are easily inactivated by soaps, detergents and organic materials.

Answer 78

QUATS (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds)

Question 79

An unstable salt usually produced in an aqueous solution and used as a bleaching and disinfecting agent. A powerful oxidizing agent. (1-10 dilution)

Answer 79

Sodium Hypochlorite (Clorox)

Question 80

A carcinogen potentially produced when formaldehyde and sodium hypochlorite come into contact with each other; normally occurs only in a controlled laboratory setting and requires a catalyst.

Answer 80

Bischloromethyl Ether (BCME)

Question 81

The destruction and/or inhibition of most pathogenic organisms and their products in or on the body.

Answer 81

Disinfection

Question 82

A non-toxic disinfectant suitable for the use on animal tissue.

Answer 82

Antiseptic

Question 83

Process that renders a substance free of all microorganisms.

Answer 83

Sterilization

Question 84

Institution of disinfection and decontamination measures after the preparation of the remains.

Answer 84

Terminal Disinfection

Question 85

The formation or presence of an attached blood clot.

Answer 85

Thrombosis

Question 86

Free floating object in the bloodstream.

Answer 86

Embolism

Question 87

Vitamin K is used primarily in those persons who display a pronounced tendency to hemorrhage. Its purpose is to restore a normal clotting time. It does not cause the blood to clot at a rate much faster than normal. This vitamin is synthesized by the action of colon bacilli in the intestinal tract. Vitamin K1 is derived from such green plants as alfalfa. Vitamin K2 is derived from decomposed fishmeal.

Answer 87

Medical Coagulants

Question 88

The purpose is the prevention of clotting within the blood vessels of a living person. They are often used following a non-fatal coronary occlusion with myocardial infarction (often due to clots- thrombi or emboli).

Answer 88

Medical Anticoagulants

Question 89

Tubular instrument of varying diameter and shape, preferably with a plunger, that is inserted into a vein to aid in drainage of blood and to restrict the exit of vascular embalming solution.

Answer 89

Drain Tube

Question 90

A stitch used to close puncture holes other than the purse string suture. Can only be used on circular incisions and is leak proof.

Answer 90

N-Stitch (Reverse Stitch)

Question 91

- Type of incision used by the Egyptians - Usually an S shaped needle with a cutting edge and a heavy ligature - Stitch is made from beneath, up through the skin and the needle is crossed from side to side with each stitch. - Strong closure, but pulls the tissues adjacent to the incision upward into a ridge. - Keep the ligature taut after each suture.

Answer 91

Baseball Stitch (Sail Stitch)

Question 92

A suture made around the circumference of a circular opening or puncture to close it or to hold the margins in position.

Answer 92

Purse String Suture

Question 93

A method of sewing an incision along the edges without entering the opening whereby the suture becomes invisible and the line of suture becomes depressed, which lends it ease in concealment by waxing.

Answer 93

Worm Suture (Inversion Stitch)

Question 94

Formally called infectious hepatitis. It is caused by the enterically transmitted (fecal-oral route).

Answer 94

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

Question 95

Severe infectious bloodborne virus.

Answer 95

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Question 96

Spread by contaminated blood or body fluids.

Answer 96

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Question 97

A bloodborne virus, it can only exist in combination with the hepatitis B virus. HBV vaccine will offer protection against this.

Answer 97

Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)

Question 98

Transmitted by contaminated water and human waste.

Answer 98

Hepatits E Virus (HEV)

Question 99

A bloodborne Virus.

Answer 99

Hepatitis G Virus (HGV)

Question 100

- Single suturing needle with a non-cutting edge - Used on exposed areas of the body - Suturing needle is brought though the surface and directed through the subcutaneous tissue. - Small needle and thin ligature - Nothing should show in the surface - Does not hold well if used through fatty tissue.

Answer 100

Single Intradermal Suture (Hidden Stitch)