NBE - Funeral Service Sciences

Abdominal Anatomical regions

(1) nine region plan: by means of four imaginary planes, two of which are horizontal (indicated by lines drawn across the right and left 10" ribs and across the right and left anterior superior iliac spines) and two sagittal (indicated by lines drawn from

Abrasion

antemortem injuries resulting from friction of the skin against a firm objet resulting in the removal of the epidermis

Abut

to touch or contact, as with the tarsal plates of the closed eyelids

Acessory Chemicals

group of chemicals used in additon 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

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome/ AIDS

a specific group of diseases or conditions which are indicative of severe immunosuppression related to infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); persons dead having had AIDS may exhibit conditions such as wasting syndrome, extrapulmonary tube

Action Level/ AL Exposure Limits

these levels are established to ensure adequate protection of employees at exposures below the OSHA limits, but to minimize the compliance burdens for employers whose employees have exposure below the 8hour permissible exposure limit (PEL). The AL for for

Actual Pressure

that pressure which is indicated by the injector gauge needle when the arterial tube is open and the arterial solution is flowing into the body

Adipocere (Grave Wax)

a wax-like material produced by saponification of body fat in a body buried in alkaline soil

Aerobic

in the presence of free oxygen

Aerosolization

to disperse as an aerosol; minute particles of blood and water become atomized and suspended in air when water under pressure meets the blood drainage or when flushing an undercover flush sink

Agglutination (Congealing)

intravascular, the increase of viscosity of blood brought about by the clumping of particulate formed elements in the blood vessels

Agonal Algor

decrease in body temperature immediately before death

Agonal Coagulation (Congealing)

in reference to blood, a change from a fluid into a thickened mass

Agonal Dehydration

the loss of moisture from the living body during the agonal state

Agonal Edema

excape of blood serum from an intravascular to an extravascular location immediately before death

Agonal Fever

increase in body temperature immediately before death

Agonal Period

period immediately before somatic death

Algor Mortis

post mortem cooling of the body to hte surrounding temperature

Alternate Drainage (Restricted Drainage)

Method of injection-drainage in which embalming solution is injected and then injection is stopped while drainage is open

American Congress of Govermental Industrial Hygienists/ ACGIH

an organization of professional personnel in govermental agencies or educational institutions who are employed i occupational safety and health programs

Amino Acid

the building blocks of proteins, and the end products of protein digestion or hydrolysis, it is a conpound containging amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl (-COOH) group attached to an alpha carbon and a radical

Anaerobic

in the absence of free oxygen

Anasarca

generalized massive edema in subcutaneous tissue

Anatomical Guide

a descriptive reference for locating arteries and veins by means of anatomical structures which are known

Anatomical Limits

points of origin and points of termination in relation to adjacent structures; used to designate the boundaries of arteries

Anatomical Position

the body is erect, feet together, palms facing forward, and thumbs pointed away from the body

Aneurysm

localized abnormal dilation or outpocketing of a blood vessel resulting from congenital defect or a weakness of a vessel wall

Aneurysm Hook

an embalming instrument used for blunt dissection and in raising vessels; has an eye in hte hook position of hte instrument for placing ligatures around the vessels

Aneurysm Needle

an emblalming instrument that is used for blunt dissection an din raising vessels, which has an eye in hte hook portion of he instrument for placing ligatures around the vessels

Angular Spring Forceps

a multipurpose instrument used in the embalming process

Anomalies

deviation from the normal

Antecubital

in front of the elbow/in the bend of the elbow

Antemortem

before death

Anterior

toward the front

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine

a bony protuberance, that can be palpated topographically, found on the ilium, the superior, broad portion of the hipbone; the origin of he inguinal ligament and the sartorius muscle

Anticoagulant Fluid

ingredient of embalming fuluids that retards the natural postmortem tendenfcy of nlood to become more viscous or prevents adverse reactions between blood and other embalming chemicals

Apparent Death

condition in which th emanifestations of life are feebly maintained

Arterial (Vascular) Fluid

the concentrated, preservative, embalming chemical that will be diluted with water to form the arterial solution for injection into ht earterial system during vascular embalming. The purpose is for inactivating saprophytic bacteria and rendering the body

Arterial Solution

the mixture of arterial (Vascular) fluid and water which is used for the arterial injection and may include supplemental fluids

Arterial Tube

a tube used to inject embalming fluid into the blood vascular system

Arteriosclerosis

disease of the arteries resulting in thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls

Articulation

place of union between two or more bones

Ascites

accumulation of serous fluids in the peritoneal cavity

Asepsis

freedom from infection and from any form of life; sterility.

Asphyxia

insufficient intake of wxygen resulting from any of numerous causes

Aspiration

withfrawal of gas, fluids, and semi-solids from body cavities and hollow viscera by means of suction with an aspirator and a trocar

Atheroma

fatty degeneration or thickening of the walls of the larger arteries occuring in atherosclerosis

Autoclave

apparatus used for sterilization by steam pressure, usually at 250 degrees F/ 121 degrees C for a specific time

Autolysis

self destruction of cells; decomposition of all tissues by enzymes of their own formation without microbial assistance

Autolytic Enzyme

the body's own digestive enzymes that are capable of destroying body cells( autolytic decompositon)

Autopsy (Postmortem Examination)

a postmortem examination of the organs an d tissues of a body to determine cause of death or pathological condition; necropsy.

Bactericidal Agent

agent that destroys bacteria

Bacteriostatic Agent

agent that has the ability to inhibit or retard bacterial growth. No destruction of viability of the microorganism is implied

Balsamic Substance

resins combined wiht oil; a fragrant, resinous, oilu exudate from various trees and plants

Base of the Axillary Space

the armpit

Biohazard

biological agent or condition that constitutes a hazard to humans

Biohazardous Waste (Infectious Waste)

bloodborne pathogens, blood or body fluids exposure, any potentially infective, contaminated waste associated with the preparation of human remains that constitutes a hazard to humans in the workplace

Biological Death

irreversible somatic death

Bischloromethyl Ether/ BCME

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

Bleaching Agent

a chemical that lightens a skin discoloration

Blood

cell containing fluid that circulates through the blood vascular system and is composed of approximately 22% solids an d78% water

Blood Discoloration

discolorations resulting from change in blood composition, content, or location, either intravascularly or extravascularly

Blood Pressure

the pressure exerted by the blood in the living body on the arterial wall measured in millimeters of mercury

Blood Vascular System

circulatory network composed of the heart, arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins

Bloodborne Pathogen Rule

OSHA Regulation (29CFR 1910-1030) regulating the employee's exposure to blood and other body fluids. OSHA Definitions: blood, human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans; these pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Blunt Dissection

the seperation an d pushing asid e of he superficial fascia leading to blood vessels and then the deep fascia surrounding blood vessels, utilizing manual techniques or round-ended instruments which separate rather than cut the protective tissues

Boil (Furuncle)

acute, deep-seated inflammation in the skin, which usually begins as a subcutaneous swelling in a hair follicle

Bridge suture (interrupted suture)

a temporary surture consisting of individually cut and tied stiched employed to sustain the proper position of tissues

Buccal Cavity

vesibule of the oral cavity; the space between the lips, gums, and teeth

Bulb Syringe

Self- contained, soft runbber manual pump designed to create pressure to deliver fluids; it cannot be used for aspiration

Buffers

substances that in solution are capable of neutralizing within limits, both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original, or constant pH, of the solution

Cadaver

dead human body used for medical purposes: including transplantation, anatomical dissection and study

Cadaveric Spasm

a prolongation o fhe last vilolent contraction of he muscle into the rigidity of death

Calvarium

the dome-like superior portion of he cranium; that portion removed during cranial autopsy

Calvarium Clamp

a device used as means of fastening the calvarium after a cranial autopsy

Canalization

formation of new channels in a tissue

capillaries

minute blood vessels, the walls of which comprise a single layer of endothelial cells, Capillaries connect the smallest arteries (arterioles) with the smallest veins ( Venules) and are where pressure filtration occures

Capillary Permeability

ability of substances to diffuse through capillary walls into the tissue spaces

Carbohydrate

a compound of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen that is an aldehyde or ketone derivative of polyhydroxyl alcohol, Examples are sugars, starches, and glycogen

Carbuncle

circumscribed inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues that ends in suppuation and is acompanied by systemic symptoms, such as fever and leukocytosis

Carcinogen (Carcinogenicity)

a cancer-causing chemical or material

Cavitation

the formation of cavities in an organ or tissure/ frequently seen in some forms of tuberculosis

Cavity Embalming

direct treatment, other than vascular (arterial) injection, of the contents of the body cavities and the lumina of the hollow viscera; usually accomplished by aspiration and injection of chemicals using a trocar

Cavity Fluid

embalming chemicals which are injected into the cavities of the body following the aspiration in cavity embalming. Cavity fluid can also be used as the chemical in hypodermic and surface embalming.

Cellular Death

death of the indicidual cells of he body

Center of Fluid Distribution

ascending aorta and/or arch of the aorta

Center of Venous Drainage

right atrium of he heart

Centrifugal Force Machine

Embalming machine that uses an delectrical pump to create pressure, either pulsating or non-pulsating

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ CDCP (CDC)

a major agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, wiht headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, concerned with all phases of control of communicable, vector-borne nad occupational diseases

Chelate

substances that bind metallic ions such as EDTA ( Ethylenediamine-tetracetic acid); used as an anticoagulant in embalming solutions

Chemical Postmortem Change

change in hte body's chemical composition that occurs after death; for example, release of heme leading to postmortem staining

Chemotherapy (chemotherapeutic agents)

the application of chemical reagents in the treatment of disease in man, using an elevated preservation demand

Clinical Death

a phase of somatic death lasting from five to six minutes in which life may be restored

Closed System Drainage

drainage procedure that limits the exposure of he embalmer toe th edrainage, tubing is attached to a drain tube allowing drainage to flow directly from a vein into a sanitary disposal system; tubing may also be attached to a trocar and aspirator allowing

Coagulating Agents

chemical and physical agents that bring about coagulation

Co-injection Fluid

a fluid used primarily to supplement and enhance the actio of vascular (arterial) solutions

Coma

mode of somatic death; death beginning at the brain

Communicable Disease

disease that may be transmitted either directly or indiretly between individuals by an infectious agent

Concurrent Disinfection

disinfection practices carried out during the embalming process

Concurrent Drainage

method of drainage in which drainage occurs continuously during vascular (arterial) injection

Condyle

rounded articular process on a bone

Congealing

the process of converting soluble protein to insoluble protein by heating or by contacting wiht a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde

Conjunctiva

Mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white portion of the eye

Contagious Disease

disease that may be transmitted between individuals, with reference to the organism that causes a disease

Contaminated

the presence or the resonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface

Contaminated Laundry

laundry that has been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials or may contain sharps

Contaminated
sharps

any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin including, but not limited to, needles, scalpels, broken glass, and exposed ends of wires

Cornea

transparent part of the tunic of the eyeball that covers the iris and pupil and admits light into the interior

Corneal Sclera Button

that protion of the cornea recovered for trasplantation in situ.

Coroner

an official of a local community who holds inquests concerning sudden, violent, nad unexplained deaths

Corpulence (Obesity)

having an abnormal amount of fat on the body

Cosmetic Fluid

embalming fluid that contains dyes and coloring agents intended to restore a more natural skin tone through the embalming process

Counter Staining Compound

dye that helps to cover internal discolorations suce as jaundice

Coverall

plastic garment designed ot cover the body from the chest down to the upper thigh

Cranial Embalming

method used to embalm the contents of the cranial cavity through aspiration an injection of the cranial chamber by passage of a trocar through the cribriform plate

Cremated Remains

those elements remaining after cremation of a dead human body

Crepitation

crackling sensation produced when gases trapped in tissues ar palpated, as in subcutaneous emphysema

Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease/CJD

disease of the central nervous system wiht unknown etiology assumed to be caused by a prion

Cribriform Plate

thin, medial portion of hte ethmoid bone of the skull

Death

irreversible cessation of all vital functions (non-legal definition)

Death Rattle

noise made by a moribund person caused by air passin through a residue of mucous in the trachea and posterior oral cavity

Death Struggle

the semi-convulsive twitches which often occur before death

Decay

decomposition of proteins by enzymes of aerobic bacteria

Decomposition

separation of compounds into simpler substances by the afction of microbial and / or autolytic enzymes

Dehydration

loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem the removal of water from a substance

Denatured Protein

a protein whose structure has been changed by physical or chemical agents

Desiccation

rendered thoroughly dry; exhausted of moisture

Dessication Marks

areas of embalmed tissue where excessive dehhydration has occured

Desquamation (skin slip)

sloughing off of the epidermis, wherin there is a separation of he epidermis from the underlying dermis

Dialysis

separation of substances in solution by the difference in their rating of diffusion through a semi permeable membrane

Differential Pressure

the difference between potential and actual pressure

Diffusion

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

Diffusion (Arterial solution)

passage of some components of the injected embalming solution from an intravascular to an extravascular location; movement of the embalming solutions from the capillaries into the interstitial fluids

Digits

finger and toes. The thumb is the number on digit for each hand and the large toe is the number on digit for each foot.

Discoloration

any abnormal color in or upon the human body

Disease

any deviaton from or interuptin of the normal structure or function of a body part, organ, or system

Disinfectant

an agent, usually chemical, applied to inanimate objects/ surface to destroy disease- causing microbial angents, but usually not bacterial spores

Disinfection

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

Deistrubution (Fluid)

the movement of embalming solutions from the point of injection throughout the arterial sysetm and into the capillaries

Drain Tubes

embalming instrument, inserted into a vein, used ot aid the drainage of venous blood from the body

Drainage

discharge or withdrawal of blood, blood clots, interstitial and lymphatic fluid, and embalming solution from the body during vascular embalming, usually through a vein.

Drench Shower

OSHA required safety device for a release of a copous amount of water in short time

Dry Gangrene

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

Dye (Coloring Agent)

substances which will, upon being dissolved, impart a definite color to the embalming solution. Dyes are classified as to their capacity to permanently impart color to the tissue of the body into which they are injected

Ecchymosis (Bruise)

discoloration of the skin caused by the escape of blood within the tissues; generally acconpanied by swelling

Electrocardiogram/ ECG(EKG)

a record of the electrical activity of the heart

Edema

abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissue or body cavities

Electroencephalogram/EEG

a record of the electrical activity of ht ebrain

Electric Aspirator

a device that uses a motor to create suction for the purpose of aspiration

Electric Spatula

an electically heated blade that may be used to dry moist tissue, reduce swollen tissue, and restore contour

Embalming

process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of microorganisms, to temporarily inhibit organic decomposition, and to restore an acceptable physical appearance

Embalming Report (Case Report)

report filled out for each body prepared and for each body recieved from another funeral home

Embalming Analysis (Case Analysis)

that consideration given to the dead body prior to , during, and after the embalming procedure is completed; documentation is recommended

Engineering Controls

Mechanical systems and devices engineered into the architecture of a building, for example, exhaust systems, sanitary plumbing

Environment

the surroundings, conditions, or influences that affect an organism or the cells within an organism

Environmental Protection Agency/ EPA

a governmental agency wiht environmental protection regulatory and enforcement authority

Enzyme

organic catalyst produced by living cells and capable of autolytic decompositon. A protein that acts as abiological catalyst

Excision

to remove as by cutting out; the area from which tissue has been removed

Expert Tests of Death

any procedure used to prove a sign of death usually performed by medical personnel

Exposure Incident

a specific eye, mouth, other mucuous membrame, not-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee's duties

Exposure, Occupational

reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact wiht blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee's duties

Extravascular

outside the blood vascular system

Extravascular Blood Discoloration

discoloration of the body outside the blood vascular system, for example, ecchymosis, petechia, hematoma, and postmortem stain

Exsanguination

excess loss of blood

Extrinsic

from outside the body

Eye Enucleation

removal of the eye for tissue transplantation, research, or education

Eye Enucleation Discoloration

extravasation of blood as a result of eye enucleation

Eye Wash Station

OSHA- required emergency safety decive providing a steady stream of wter for flushing the eye

Eyecap

a thin, dome-like shell made of hardened cloth,metal, or plastic place beneath eyelids to restore natural curvature and to maintain the position of posed eyelids

Fat

a cmmon name for a tirglyceride ester that is a semisolid or solid at room temperature and contains a high percentage of saturated fatty acids

Fatty Acids

a product of decomposition of fats

Febrile

characterized hy a high fever, causing dehydration of hte body

Federal Trade Commision/FTC

agency of federal goverment created in 19134 to promote free and fair competition by prevention of trade restraints, price fixing, false advertising and other unfair methods of competion

Fermentation

bacterial decomposition of carbohydrates

Fever Blisters

lesions of the mucous membrane of the lip or mouth usually caused by Herpes Simplex Type I or II virus or by dehydration of hte mucous membrane in a febrile disease

Firming

rigidity of tissue due to chemical reaction

Fixation

the act of making tissue rigid. the Solidification of a compound

Fixative

an agent employed in the preparation of tissues, for the purpose of maintaining the existing form and structure, Many agents are used, the most important one being formalin

Formaldehyde/ HCHO

colorless, strong-smelling gas that when used in solution is a powerful preservative and disinfectant; a potential occupational carcinogen

Formaldehyde Grey

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

Formaldehyde Rule

OSHA regulation limiting the amount of occupaitonal exposure to formaldehyde gas

Gangrene

necrosis, death of tissue of part of the body, usually due to deficient or absent blood supply

Gangrene,Dry

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

Gangrene, Moist (Wet)

necrotic tissue that is wet as a result of inadequate venous drainage; may be accompanied by the invasion of saprophytic bacteria

Gangrene, Gas

necrosis in a wound infected by an anaerobic gas-forming bacillus, the most common etiologic agent being clostridium perfingens

Gravity Filtration

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

Gravity Injector

apparatus used to inject arterial fluid during the vascular (arterial) phase of the embalming process; relies on gravity to create the pressure required to deliver the fluid (. 43 pounds of pressure per one foot of elevation)

Groove Director

instrument used to guide vein tubes into vessels

Hand Pump

historical instrument resembling a large hypodermic syringe attached to a bottle apparatus; used to create either pressure for injection or vacuum for aspiration

Hard Water

water containing large amounts of mineral salts. These mineral salts must be removed from or sequestered in water (vehicle) to be used in mixing vascular embalming solutions

Hardening Compound

chemical in powder form that has th e ability to absorb and to disinfect. Often used in cavity treatment of autopsied cases

Hazard Communication Standard/ Rule

OSHA regulation that deals with identifying and limiting exposure to occupational hazards

Hazardous Material

an agent or material exposing one to risk

Head Rest

piece of equipment used to maintain the head in the proper position during the embalming process

Hematemesis

blood present in vomitus; vomiting of blood

Hematoma

a swelling or mass of clotted blood confined to an orgn or space caused by a ruptured blood vessel

Heme

the non-protein portion of hemoglobin; the red pigmnet of hemoglobin

Hemoglobin

the red respiratory portions of the red blood cells; iron containing pigment of red blood cells functioning to carry oxygen to the cells

Hemolysis

destruction of red blood cells that liberates hemoglobin

Hepatitis

inflammation of he liver. It may be caused by a variety of agents, including viral infections, bacterial invasion, and physical or chemical agents. Fever, jaundice, and an enlarged liver usually accompany it.

Hepatitis B Virus/ HBV

a severe infectious bloodborne virus

Herpes

an inflammatory skin disease marked by small vesicles in clusters, usually restricted to diseases caused by Herpes virus

High Preservation Demand Fluids

Special vascular (arterial) fluid wiht an HCHO content of 25 to 36 percent

Household Bleach

a 5% sodium hypochlorite solution, mixing twelve ounces of household bleach wiht 116 conces of water yields one gallon of 10% household bleach solution (5,000 ppm sodium hypochlorite).

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ HIV

a type of retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Human Remains

body of a deceased person, including cremated remains

Humectant

chemical that increases the ability of embalmed tissue to retain moisture

Hydroaspirator

apparatus that is connected to the water supply; when the water is turned on, suction is developed and is used to aspirate the contents of the body's cavities

Hydrocele

abnormal accumulation of fluids in a saclike structure in any acculated cavity in the body, especially the scrotal sac

Hydrocephalus

abnormal accumulation of the cerebrospinal fluds in the ventricles of the brain

Hydrolysis

reaction in which water is one of the reactants an dcompounds are often broken down. In the hydrolysis of proteins, the addition of water acccompanied by the action of enzymes results in th ebreakdown of proein into amino acids

Hydropericardium

abnormal accumulation of fluid wihtin the pericardial sac

hydrothorax

abnormal accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity

Hygroscopic

absorbing moisture readily

Hypertonic Solution

a solution having a greater concentration of dissolved solute than the soluiton to which it is compared

Hypodermic Embalming

injection of embalming chemicals directly into th etissues through the use of a syringe and needle or a trocar

Hypostasis (Agonal hypostasis, antemortem hypostasis, postmortem hypostasis)

settling of blood and/ or other fluids to dependent portions of the body

Hypotonic Solution

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

Imbibition

the swelling an dsoftening of tissues an dorgans as a result of absorbing moisture from adjacent sources

Incision

a clean cut made with a sharp instrument;in embalming, a cut made wiht a scalpel to raise arteries

Index

strength of an embalming fluid, indicated by the number of grams of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100 mLof water. Index usually refers to a percentage; an embalming fluid with an index of 25 ususally contains 25% formaldehyde gas

Infant

a child less than one year of age

Infectious Disease

disease caused by the growth of a pathogenic microorganism in the body

Inferior

beneath; lower; used medically in reference to the undersurface of an organ or indicating a structure below another structure; toward the feet

Inguinal Ligament

anatomical structures forming the base of the femoral triangle; extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle

Injection

the act or instance of forcing a fluid into the vascular system or directly into tissues

Injection Pressure

the amount of pressure produced by an injection device to overcome initional resistance within (intravascular) or on (extravascular) the vascular system (arterial or venous)

Instantaneous Rigor Mortis

the immediate stiffening of hte muscles of adead human body

Intercellular

between the cells of a structure

Intercellular Fluid

fluid inside cells of the body (constituting about one-half of the body weight)

Intercoastal space

space between the ribs

Intermittent Drainage (Restricted Drainage)

a method of drainage in which the drainage is stopped at intervals while the injection continues

Interstitial Fluid

fluid in the supporting connective tissues surrounding body cells (about one-fifth of the body weight)

Intravascular

within the blood vascular system

Intravascular Blood Discoloration

discoloration of the body within the blood vascular system; for example, hypostasis, carbon monoxide, and capillary congestion

Intravascular Fluid

fluid contained within vascular channels (about one -twentieth of the body weight)

Intravascular Pressure

pressure developed as the flow of embalming solution is established and the elastic arterial walls expand and then contract, resulting in filling of the capillary beds and development of pressure filtration

Ischemic Necrosis (dry gangrene)

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

Intrinsic

from within the body

Isotonic Solution

a solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute as the solution to which it is compared

Jaundice

condition characterized by excessive concentration of bilirubin in the skin and tissues and depositon of excessive bile pigment in the skin, cornea, body fluids, and mucous membranes with the resulting yellow appearance of the patient

Jaundice Fluid

a special vascular fluid wiht special bleaching and coloring qualities for use on bodies with jaundice; usually low formaldehyde content

Laceration

wound characterized by irregular tearing of tissue

Larvacide

substance used to kill insect larvae

Lateral

away from the midline

Legionaires Disease

a severe, often fatal, bacterial disease characterized by pneumonia, dry cough and sometimes by gastrointestinal symptoms

Lesion

specific pathologic structural an d functional changes or both brought about by disease or injury

Ligate

to tie off an artery and vein upon completion of embalming

Linear Guide

a line drawn or visualized on the surface of the skin to represent the approximate location of some deeper-lying structure

Lypolysis

decomposition of fats

Liver Mortis/ Cadaveric Lividity

postmortem, intravascular, red-blue discoloration resulting from hypostasis of blood

Lumen

a cavity or opening of a vein, artery, or intestine

Lysin

a specific antibody acting destructively upon cells and tissues

Lysosome

organelle that exists within a cell, but separate from the cell; containing hydrolytic enzymes that break down protein and certain carbohytdrates

Maggot

an insect larva; especially fly larva

Mandibular Suture

a stitch used to used to hold the mouth closed; placed behind the lips, one part is passed through around the inferior jaw ath the median plane, while the other part extends through the nasal septum or the superior frenulum

Massage

manipulaiton of tissue in the course of preparation of the body

Mechanical Aids

the application of treatments or procedures that utilize machines or instruments. Adjustments of pressure, rate of flow or use of pulsation with the embalming machine; utilization of properly sized arterial tubes and drainage instruments. Opening and clos

Medial

toward the midline

Medical Examiner

an official elected or appointed to investigate suspicious or unnatural deaths

Meningitis

inflammation of ht emeninges

Microbe (Microorganism

a minute, one-celled form of life not distinguishable as to vegetable or animal nature

Millicurie/ mCi

that amount of radioactive material in which 37 million atoms disintegrate each second

Modifying Agents

chemicals added to the embalming solution to deal with varying demands predicated upon the type of embalming, the environment, and the embalming fluid to be used

Mold Preventative (mold- preventive agents)

agents which will prohibit growth of mold

Moribund

in a dying state; in the agonal period

Mortuary Putty

a paste to fix or fill

Mouth Former

a device used in the mouth in shaping the contour of the lips

Material Safety Data Sheet/ MSDS

this accompany a hazardous product; a requirement of the Department of Labor and OSHA under the Hazard Communication Standard

Multi-pint Injection (Multi-Site)

vascular injection from two or more sites

Musculature Suture

method of mouth closure in which a suture is passed through th eseptum o fthe nose and through the mentalis muscle of the chin

Nasal Cavity

space between the roof of the mouth and the floor of the cranial cavity

Nasal Tube Aspirator

embalming instrument used to aspirate the throat by means of the nostrils

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/ NIOSH

tests and certifies respiratory protective devices and air sampling detector tubes, recommends occupational exposure limits for various substances, and assists OSHA inoccupational safety and health investigations and research

Necrobiosis

antemortem, physiological death of he cells of the body followed by their replacement

Necrosis

pathological death of a tissue still a part of the living organism

Needle Injector

a mechanical device used to impel specially designed metal pins into bone

Nephritis

inflammation of hte kidnwys

Nitrogenous Waste

metabolic by-products that contain nitrogen, suchas urea and uric acid. These compounds have a high affinity for formaldehyde and tend to neutralize embalming chemicals

Non-cosmetic Fluid

a type of arterial fluid that contains inactive dyes that will not impart a color change upon the body tissues of the deceased

Occupational Exposure

reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potential infectious materials that may result from performance of worker's duties

Occupational Safety and Health Administration/ OSHA

a Govermental Agency with the responsibility for regulation and enforcement of safety and health matters for most United States employees; an individual State OSHA agency may supercede the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA regulations

One Point Injection

injection and drainage from one location

Operative (aids) Corrections

any and all techniques to treat a problem area, excision, incision, and channeling

Ophthalmoscope

an optical insturment wiht an accompanying light that makes it possible to examine the retina and to explore for blood circulation

Optimum

th emost favorable conditon for functioning

Oral Cavity

the mouth and the vestibule, or the opening to the throat

Osmosis

passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration when the two solutions are separated by a semipermeable membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules but it is permeable to the solvent

Packing Forceps

embalming instrument used in filing the external orfices of the body

Palpate

to examine by touch

Parallel Incision

incision on the surface of the skin to raise the common carotid arteries. It is made along the posterior border of the inferior one-third of hte sternocleidomastoid muscle

Parenteral

piercing mucous membranes or the skin barrier through such events as needlesticks, human bites, cuts and abrasions

Parts per Million/ ppm

a method of expressing low concentrations; 1 ppm is equivalent to 1 miligram per liter; in contaminated air, the parts of chemical per million parts of solution

Pathological Discoloration

antemortem discoloration that occurs during the course of certain diseases; gangrene and jaundice

Pediculicide

substance able to destroy lice

Percutaneous

effected through unbroken skin

Perfuming Agents ( Masking Agents)

chemicals found in embalming arterial formulations having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an upleasant odor so that it is converted to a more pleasant one

Perfusion

to force a fluid through (an organ or tissue) , especially by way of the blood vessels; injection during vascular (arterial) embalming

Peritonitis

inflammation of the peritoneum, the membranous coat lining the abdominal cavity and investion the viscera

Permissible Exposure Limit/ PEL

the maximum legal limits established by OSHA for regulated substances. These are based on employee exposure that is time-weighted over an 8-hour work shift. When these limits are exceeded, empolyers must take proper steps to reduce employee exposure. For

Personal Protection (Protective) Equipment/ PPE

specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against hazard

Petechia

antemortem, pinpoint, extravascular blood discoloration visible as purplish hemorrhages of the skin

Pharmaceutical Agents

drugs or medicines that change the biochemical constituents of the blood

Pitting Edema

condition in which interstial spaces contain such excessive amounts of fluid that the skin remains depressed after palpation

Positioning Devices

preparation room equipmnet for properly positioning bodies prior to, during, and after vascular embalming

Posterior

toward the back

Postmortem

period that begins after somatic death

Postmortem Caloricity

the rise in temperature after death due to continued cellular metabolism

Postmortem Physical Changes

a change in the form or state of matter without any change in chemical composition

Postmortem Stain

extravascular color change that occurs when heme, released by hemolysis of red blood cells, seeps through the vessel walls and into the body tissues

Potential of Hydrogen/ pH

power/ potential of hydrogen; a number signifying the acidity or alkalinity of a chemical solution; the measure of hydrogen ion concenration of a solution. the scale ranges from 0 to 14, 0 beingcompletely acid, 14 completely basic, and 7 neutral. Blood ha

Potential Pressure

the pressure indicated by the injector gauge needle when the injector motor is running and the arterial tubing is clamped off; Turner Portiboy injection machine

Precipitant

a substance bringing about precipitation

Preinjection Fluid

fluids designed to clear the vascular system of blood an denable the arterial solution to distribute with greater facility

Preparation Room

that area or facility where embalming, dression, cosmetizing, or other body preparation are effected

Preservative

chemicals whic inactivate saprophytic bacteria, render unsuitable for nutrition the media upon which such bacteria thrive, and which will arrest decomposition by altering exzymes and lysins of the body as well as converting the decomposable tissue to a fo

Preservative Demand (Formaldehyde Demand)

amount of preservative (formaldehyde) required to effectlively preserve remains. Amount depends on the condition of the tissues as determined in the embalming analysis

Preservative Powder

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

Pressure

action of a force against an opposing force (a force applied or acting against resistance). The force per unit area exerted on a material

Pressure Filtration

positive intravascular pressure causing passage of embalming fluid through the capillary wallto diffuse with the interstitial fluids; causing passage of embalming fluid from and intravascular to an extravascular position

Primary Dilution

the dilution attained as the embalming soluiton is miced in the embalming machine

Primary Disinfeciton

disinfection carried out prior to the embalming process

Procurement

the recovery of organs or tissues from a cadaver for transplantation or study

Prognathism

projection of the jaw or jaws that may cause problems wiht mouth closure and alignment of the teeth

Protein

organic compound found in plants and animals; can be broken down into amino acids

Proteolysis

decomposition of proteins

Ptomaine

any on e of a group of nitrogenous organic compounds formed by the action of putrefactive bacteria on proteins; indole, skatole, cadaverine, and putrescine.

Pubic Symphysis

the fibrocartilage that joins the two pubic bones in the median plane

Purge

postmortem evacuation of any substance from an external orfice of the body as a result of pressure

Pus

liquid product of inflammation containing various proteins and leukocytes

Pustular Lesion

characteristic pus-filled structure of a disease, such as smallpox, syphilis, and acne

Putrefaction

decomposition of proteins by the action of enzymes from anaerobic bacteria

Radiation Protection Officer

the supervisor in an institution licensed to use radionuclides who has the responsibility to establish procedures and make recommendations in the use of all radioactive matter

Radionuclide

a chemical element that is similar in chemical properties to another element, but differs in atomic weight and electric charge and emits radiation, An atom that disintegrates by emission of electromagnetic radiation

Rate of Flow

speed at which fluid is injected; measured in ounces per minute

Razor Burn (Razor Abrasion)

a darkened, air-dried area on the skin resulting fcrom removal of the epidermis while shaving

Re-aspirtion

repeated aspiration of a cavity

Reducing Agent

Substance that easily loses electrons and thereby causes other substances to be reduced; formaldehyde is a strong reducing agent

Resinous Substance

an amorphous, nonvolatile solid or soft side substance, a natural exudation from plants. Any of a class of solid or soft organic compounds of natural or synthetic origin

Restricted Drainage

intermittent or alternate injection and drainage

Restoration

treatments of the deceased in the attempt to recreate natural form and color

Restorative Fluid (Humectant)

supplemental fluids may be separate fluids or ones enhancing arterial fluids by teh additon of special chemicals such as humectants, whose purpose is to retain body moisture and retard dehydration

Restricted Cervical Injection

method of injection wherein both common carotid arteries are raised

Right Atrium

the right side of the heart seen as the center of drainage; used as a site of drainage via instruments from the right internal jugular vein and direct via the trocar or through the thoracic wall

Rigor Mortis

Postmortem stiffenign of hte body muscles by natural body processes

Saccharolysis

decomposition of sugars

Sanitation

a process to promote and establis conditions which minimize or eliminate biohazards

Saponification

the reaction between a fat and a strong base to produce glycerol and the salt of a fatty acid (soap); process of soap formation; as related ot decomposition, the conversion of fatty tissues of the body into a soapy waxy substance called adipocere or grave

Saprophytic Bacteria

bacteria that derive their nutrition from dead organic matter

Scalpel

a two piece-embalming instrument consisting of a handle and a blade used to make incisions and excisions

Sealing Agents (Sealers)

material used to provide a barrier or seal against any type of leakage of fluid or blood

Secondary Dilution

weakening of the embalming fluid by the fluids in the body, both vascular and interstitial

Sepsis

pathologic state, resulting from the presence of microorganisms or their products in the blood or other tissues

Septicemia

condition characterizedby the multiplication of bacteria in blood

Sequestering Agent

a chemical agent that can "fence off" or "tie up" metal ions so they cannot react with other chemicals

Serrated

notched on the edge like a saw. as seen with forceps

Sharps

hypodermic needles, suture needles, injector needles, scalpel blades, razor blades, pins, and other items sharp enough to cause percutaneous injury, penetration of ubbroken skin; may include other items normally not disposed of following use, such as scis

Sharps Container

OSHA required recepacle for lproper disposal of sharps

Short Term Exposure Limit/ STEL

legal limits established by OSHA to which workers can be exposed continuously for a short period of time without damage or injury. Exposure at the STEL should not be for more than 15 minutes and not repeated more than four times per workday

Sign of Death

manifestation of death in the body

Sodium Hypochlorite

an unstable salt usually produced in an aqueous soluiton an dused as a bleaching an disinfecting agent

Solute

a substance dissolved in a solvent to form a solution; the component of a solution present in a lesser amount

Solution

a homgeneous mixture of one or more substances (solutes) dissolved in a sufficient quantity of solvent

Solvent

a substance that does the dissolving in a soluiton; the component of a soluiont present in a greater amount

Somatc Death

death of the organism as a whole

Split Injection

injection from one site and drainage from a separate site

Sterilizers

oven or appliance for sterilizing; an autoclave that disinfects by steam under pressure at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius

Sterilization

a process of completely removing or destroying all life forms and/or their products on or in a substance

Stethoscope

delicate instrument used to detect almost inaudibe sounds produced in the body

Stillborn

dead at birth; a product of conception either expelled or extracted dead

Subcutaneous

situated or occuring beneath the skin

Subcutaneous Emphysema

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

Superficial

pertaining to or situated near the surface

Superior

more elevated in place or position; higher; upper; anatomically towards the head

Supplemental Fluid

fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection. Supplemental fluids generally fall into one of three categories: preinjection, coinjection,and humectants or restorative fluids

Surface Compress

cloth, wet or dry, folded and applied firmly to a body part

Surface Embalming

the direct contact of body tissues with embalming chemicals

Surface Discoloration

a discoloration due to the deposit of matter on the skin surface. these discolorations may occur antemortem, during, or after embalming of he body; causes include adhesive tape, ink , iodine, paint, tobacco stains

Surface Pack

an absorbent material compress saturated with an embalming chemical and placed in direct contact with the tissue

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

chemical that reduces the molecular chhesion of a liquid so it can flow through smaller apertures

Tardieu Spots

minute petechial hemorrhages caused by the rupture of minute vessels as blood settles into the dependent areas of organs and tissues; it is accompanied by livor mortis. A postmortem, extravascular blood discoloration. Most common in asphyxial or slow deat

Temporary Preservation

the science of treating the body chemically so as to temporarily inhibit decomposition

Terminal Disinfection

institution of disinfection and decontamination measures after the preparation of the remains

Test of Death

any procedure used to prove a sign of death

Thanatology

study of death

Third Degree Burns

destruction of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues; seared, charred, or roasted tissue

Tissue Coagulation

a general term. The solidification of a sol into a gelatinous mass. Agglutination is a specific form of coagulation

Tissue Gas

postmortem accumulation of gas in tissues or cavities brought about by an anaerobic gas-forming bacillus, Clostridium perfringens

Tobacco Tars

the yellowing/ browning of the fingernails and fingers from excessive use of cigarettes; a surface discoloration

Topical Disinfection

disinfection of the surface of hte body or an object

Translocation

an agonal or postmortem redistribution of host microflora on a hostwide basis.

Transplantation

the grafting of living tissue from its normal positon to another site, or of an organ or tissue from one person to another

Transverse

lying at right angles to the long axis of the body

Trauma

physical injury or wound caused by external force or violence

Trocar

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

Trocar Button

a plastic threaded screw-like device for sealing punctures and small round trocar openings

Trocar Guide

a line drawn or visualized on the surface of the body or a prominent anatomic structure used to locate internal structures during cavity embalming, from a point of reference two inches to the left of the two inches superior to the umbilicus

Time- Weighted Average/ TWA

an evaluation of exposures that are time-weighted over an established period. It allows the exposure levels to be averaged generally over an 8-hour time period

Unionall

plastic garment designed to cover the entire body from the chest down to and including the feet

Universal Precautions

an approach to infection control in which all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious

Vacuum Breaker

apparatus that prevents the back-siphoning of contaminated liquids into potable water supply lines or plumbing cross- commections within the preparation room.

Vascular (Arterial) Embalming

the use of the blood vascular system of the body for temporary preservation, disinfection, and restoration; accomplished through injection of embalming solutions into the arteries and drainage from the veins

Vehicle

liquids that serve as a solvent for the numerous ingredients that are incorporated into embalming fluids

Viscera

internal organs enclosed within a cavity

Viscosity

the resistance that a liquid exhibits to the flow of one layer over another arising from the molecular attraction between the molecules of a liquid; the thickness of a liquid.

Water Conditioner

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

Waterless Embalming

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

Water Hardness

quality of water containing certain substances, especially soluble salts of calcium and magnesium

Waterlog

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

Work Practice Controls

controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which a task is performed; for example, prohibiting recapping of needles and not allowing blood splatter or aerosolization of blood while draining during the embalming process

Abrasion

Scraping or wearing away of the skin by friction; irritation

Abscess

localized collection of pus

Absorption

the process in which incident radiated energy is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium. (e.g. An apple is called red if the red rays are reflected and the other rays in the light are absorbed.)

Abut

To bluntly adjoin another structure; for example, the line of eye closure

Acetone

dimethylketone; a colorless liquid which is used to soften and remove scabs; a solvent for restorative wax, or a stain remover

Achromatic color

A color not found in the visible spectrum; a neutral color such as white, black, gray, and silver and gold (for decorative purposes)

Acquired facial markings

facial markings that develop during one's lifetime, primarily as a result of repetitious use of certain muscles

Additive method

A process of mixing colored lights on a surface on which the wave lengths of each are combined; adding two or more colored lights together to create another color of light

Adhesive

Sticking to or adhering closely; substances which may be applied in order to sustain contact of two surfaces

Aerosol

A colloidal solution dispensed as a mist

After-image

Psychological; a visual impression remaining after the stimulus has been removed

Airbrush

A pressured atomizer utilized for spraying liquid paint or cosmetic upon a surface

Alveolar processes

A bony ridge found on the inferior surface of the Maxilla and the superior surface of the Mandible which contains the sockets for the teeth

Alveolar prognathism

An abnormal protrusion of the alveolar processes

Amputate

To cut off a limb; to dismember

Analogous

In color harmony, two or more hues which have the same hue in common

Anatomical guides

Descriptive references for locating anatomical structures by means of the anatomical structures which are known

Anatomical position

The Body is erect facing the observer, feet together, palms facing forward, and thumbs pointed away from the body.

Anchor

A material or technique employed to secure tissues or restorative materials in a fixed position; an armature

Angle

A sharp turn formed by the meeting of two borders or surfaces; angulus

Angle of the mandible

A bony angle formed by the junction of the posterior edge of the ramus of the mandible and the inferior surface of the body of the mandible; marks widest part of lower 1/3 of face

Angle of projection

The degree from vertical at which the surfaces of a prominent feature projects

Angulus oris eminence

The small convex prominence lateral to the end of the line of lip closure of the mouth; a natural facial marking.

Angulus oris sulcus

The groove at each end of the line of closure of the mouth; a natural facial marking.

Antemortem

Before death

Anterior

of or near the head end or toward the front plane of the body

Anterior nares

the external openings of the nostril.

Antihelix

the inner rim of the ear

Antitragus

a small eminence obliquely opposite the tragus on the superior border of the lobe of the ear.

Aperture

an opening

Aqueous

watery; prepared with water as a solvent.

Aqueous humor

a clear, thin, alkaline fluid which fills the anterior chamber of the eyeball.

Concha

concave shell of the ear; the deepest depression of the ear.

Concurrent

treatments of a restorative nature performed during the embalming operations

Condyle

a rounded process that usually articulates with another bone

Cones of the eye

sensory nerves in the retina of the eye having to do with color detection.

Constrict

to compress, constract

Contour

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

Contusion

a bruise

Conversion

The color of an object being converted or completely destroyed when one color of illumination strikes an object of a completely different color

Convex

curving or bulging outward

Convex-concave profile

a profile variation in which the forehead recedes from the eyebrows while the chin protrudes beyond the plane of the upper lip.

Convex nasal profile

- (Roman, aquiline) a nasal profile which exhibits a hump in its linear form. e.g. Roman, aquiline.

Convex profile

a basic profile form in which the forehead recedes from the eyebrows while the chin recedes from the plane of the upper lip (most common).

Convex-vertical profile

a profile variation in which the forehead recedes from the eyebrows while the chin and upper project equally to an imaginary vertical line.

Cool hue

blue, green, purple, or any intermediate pigmentary hue in which they predominate; a receding hue which creates the illusion of distance from the observer; a color of short wave lengths.

Cords of the neck

vertical prominences of the neck; an acquired facial marking.

Cornea

transparent, anterior part of the eyeball covering the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber that functions to refract (bend) light to focus a visual image

Dusky

(swarthy) somewhat dark in color; when used to describe the complexion color.

Ear

organ of hearing

Ecchymosis

the escape of blood from ruptured blood vessels into the surrounding tissue to form a purple or black-and-blue spot on the skin; bruise

Edema

swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue

First Degree Burn

involves only epithelium; redness, heat (i.e. sunburn)

Florid

(adj.) highly colored, reddish

Fluorescent light

the illumination produced by a tubular electric discharge lamp; the fluorescence of phosphors coating the inside of a tube.

Fold

an elongated prominence adjoining a surface.

Foramen magnum

the large opening at the base of the cranium through which the spinal cord passes

Force

The quality of a color to draw attention by means of its intensity or "advancing" characteristics

Forehead

That part of the face above the eyes

Form

external shape; a mold for casting; produce a certain shape; to constitute existing elements

Fossa

A depression; a concavity

Foundation

The complexion cosmetic in ornamental cosmetology

Forth degree burn

Total evacuation (absence) of tissue

Fracture

broken bone

Frenulum

The vertical restraining fold of mucous membrane on the midline of the inside of each lip connecting the lip with the gum

Frontal

Anterior; the anterior view of the face or features

Frontal bone

The anterior third of the cranium, forming the forehead and the anterior portion of the roof of the skull

Frontal eminences

paired, rounded, unmargined prominences of the frontal bone found approximately one inch beneath the normal hairline

Frontal process of the maxilla

The ascending part of the upper jaw which gradually protrudes as it rises beside the nasal bone to meet the frontal bone; the ascending process of the upper jaw

Abrasion

antemortem injuries resulting from friction of the skin against a firm object resulting in the removal of the epidermis.

Abut

to bluntly adjoin another structure; for example, the line of eye closure.

Agonal Algor

decrease in body temperature immediately before death.

Actual Custody of the Body

the physical possession of the dead human body.

Agonal Coagulation (Congealing)

in reference to blood, a change from a fluid into a thickened mass.

Agonal Dehydration

loss of moisture from the living body during the agonal state.

Agonal Edema

escape of blood serum from an intravascular to an extravascular location immediately before death.

Agonal Fever

increase in body temperature immediately before death.

Agonal Period

period immediately before somatic death.

Agonal Translocation (Translocation)

an agonal or postmortem redistribution of host microflora on a hostwide basis.

Air Tray

a transfer container consisting of a wooden tray with a cardboard covering for the casket.

Algor Mortis

postmortem cooling of the body to the surrounding temperature.

Alternative Container

an unfinished wood box or other non-metal receptacle or enclosure, without ornamentation or a fixed interior lining, which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is made of fiberboard, pressed-wood, composition materials (with or withou

Anasarca

generalized massive edema in subcutaneous tissue.

Antemortem Subcutaneous Emphysema

distension of the tissues beneath the skin by gas or air; an antemortem condition brought about by a surgical procedure, trauma, or by a puncture or tear in the pleural sac or the lung tissue.

Arrangements Conference

the meeting between the funeral director and the client family during which the funeral arrangements are discussed.

Aron

Hebrew word meaning container; a casket made entirely of wood, containing no metal parts.

Ascities

accumulation of serous fluids in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity.

Aspiration

withdrawal of gas, fluids, and semi-solids from body cavities and hollow viscera by means of suction with an aspirator and a trocar.

Autolysis

self-destruction of cells; decomposition of all tissues by enzymes of their own formation without microbial assistance.

Autolytic Enzyme

the body's own digestive enzymes that are capable of destroying body cells (autolytic decomposition).

Bactericidal Agent

agent that destroys bacteria.

Bacteriostatic Agent

agent that has the ability to inhibit or retard bacterial growth. No destruction of viability of the microorganism is implied.

Bailee

a person who receives personal property from another as a bailment.

Bailment

a delivery of personal property by one person (the bailor) to another (the bailee) who holds the property for a certain purpose under an express or implied-in-fact contract.

Bailor

a person who delivers personal property to another as a bailment.

Bed

the portion of the casket upon which the deceased human remains are placed.

Biohazard

biological agent or condition that constitutes a hazard to humans.

Biohazardous Waste (Infectious Waste)

bloodborne pathogens, blood or body fluids exposure, any potentially infective, contaminated waste associated with the preparation of human remains that constitutes a ha72rd to humans in the workplace.

Bleaching Agent

a chemical that lightens a skin discoloration.

Bloodborne Pathogens

pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Bloodborne Pathogen Rule

OSHA REGULATION (29CFR 1910-1030) regulating the employee's exposure to blood and other body fluids.

Blood Discoloration

discolorations resulting from changes in blood composition, content, or location, either intravascularly or extravascularly.

Burial-Transit Permit (Disposition Permit)

a legal document, issued by a governmental agency, authorizing transportation and/or disposition of a dead human body.

Casket

a rigid container which is designed for the encasement of human remains and which is usually constructed of wood, metal, or like material and ornamented and lined with fabric (FTC): a case or receptacle in which human remains are placed for protection, pr

Chemical Postmortem Change

change in the body's chemical composition that occurs after death; for example, release of heme leading to postmortem staining.

Chevrah Kadisha

Hebrew phrase meaning "Holy Society," a group of men or women from the synagogue who care for the dead; they may be referred to by laymen as the "washers;" in the past, took care of all funeral arrangements and preparation for Jewish funerals.

Coffin

a case or receptacle for dead human remains which is anthropoidal in shape.

Combination case

a transfer container consisting of a particle board box with a cardboard tray and cover to satisfy air shipping regulations.

Constructive custody (possession) -

where a party has a right to acquire actual custody/possession of the dead body although another party has actual physical possession.

Contaminated

the presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface.

Contaminated Laundry

laundry that has been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials or may contain sharps.

Corrugated container

a container, used to hold a dead human body which is constructed out of a type of cardboard, which is made with a series of alternate folds and ridges.

Coverall

plastic garment designed to cover the body from the chest down to the upper thigh.

Custodian

a funeral director becomes the legal protector of a dead human body from the time of removal until final disposition.

Decay

decomposition of proteins by enzymes of aerobic bacteria.

Decomposition

separation of compounds into simpler substances by the action of microbial and/or auto lytic enzymes.

Dehydration

loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem the removal of water from a substance.

Denture

set of artificial teeth.

Desquamation (Skin-slip)

sloughing off of the epidermis, wherein there is a separation of the epidermis from the underlying dermis as a result of putrefaction.

Discoloration

any abnormal color in or upon the human body.

Disinfectant

an agent, usually chemical, applied to inanimate objects/surfaces to destroy disease causing microbial agents, but usually not bacterial spores.

Disinfection

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

Direct Cremation

disposition of human remains by cremation, without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present. [16 CFR 453(g)]

Direct Disposition

any method of disposition of the human remains without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present.

Ecchymosis (Bruise)

discoloration of the skin caused by the escape of blood within the tissues; generally accompanied by swelling.

Edema

abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissues or body cavities.

Electric Spatula

electrically heated blade which may be used to dry moist tissue, reduce swollen tissue, and restore contour to natural form.

Extravascular Blood Discoloration -

discoloration of the body outside the blood vascular system, for example, ecchymosis, petechia, hematoma, and postmortem stain.

Eye Enucleation

removal of the eye for tissue transplantation, research and education.

Eye Enucleation Discoloration

extravasation of blood as a result of eye enucleation.

Eyecap

a thin, dome-like shell made of hardened cloth, metal, or plastic placed beneath eyelids to restore natural curvature and to maintain the position of posed eyelids.

Fermentation

the microbial (enzymatic) decomposition of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions.

Fever Blisters

lesions of the mucous membrane of the lip or mouth usually caused by Herpes Simplex Type I or II virus or by dehydration of the mucous membrane in a febrile disease.

Final Disposition

the conclusive performance of services with respect to the dead human body.

Holy Water

water blessed by a priest.

Headrest

piece of equipment used to maintain the head in the proper position during the embalming process.

Hematoma

a swelling or mass of clotted blood confined to an organ or space caused by a ruptured blood vessel; tumor like swelling of blood

Hemolysis

destruction of red blood cells that liberates hemoglobin.

Hepatitis B Virus/HBV

severe infectious bloodborne virus.

Herpes

inflammatory skin disease marked by small vesicles in clusters, usually restricted to diseases caused by herpes virus.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/HIV

retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Human Remains

body of a deceased person, including cremated remains.

Hydrocele

abnormal accumulation of fluids in a saclike structure in any sacculated cavity in the body, especially the scrotal sac.

Hydrocephalus

abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain.

Hydrolysis

reaction in which water is one of the reactants and compounds are often broken down. In the hydrolysis of proteins, the addition of water accompanied by action of enzymes results in the breakdown of protein into amino acids.

Hydropericardium

abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac.

Hydrothorax

abnormal accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity.

Immediate Burial

disposition of human remains by burial, without formal viewing, visitation or ceremony with the body present, except for a graveside service [16 CFR. 453.1(k)]

Instantaneous Rigor Mortis

immediate stiffening of the muscles of a dead human body.

Intravascular Blood Discoloration

discoloration of the body within the blood vascular system; for example, hypostasis, carbon monoxide, and capillary congestion.

Jaundice (icterus)

conditions characterized by excessive concentrations of bilirubinin the skin and tissues and deposition of excessive bile pigment in the skin, cornea, body fluids, and mucous membranes with the resulting yellow appearance of the patient.

Laceration

wound characterized by irregular tearing of tissue.

Lipolysis

decomposition of fats.

Livor Mortis (Cadaveric Lividity)

postmortem intravascular red-blue discoloration resulting from hypostasis of blood.

Lysin

specific antibody acting destructively upon cells and tissues.

Lysosome

organelle that exists within a cell, but separate from the cell; contains hydrolytic enzymes that break down proteins and certain carbohydrates.

Mandibular Suture

a stitch used to hold the mouth closed; placed behind the lips, one part is passed through around the inferior jaw at the median plane, while the other part extends through the nasal septum or the superior frenulum.

Microorganisms (Microbe)

minute one-celled form of life not distinguishable as being of vegetable or animal nature.

Microbial Enzyme

the enzymes of microorganisms; a source of the enzymes that contribute to decomposition.

Mold Preventative (Mold-Preventive Agents)

agents which will prohibit the growth of mold.

Morgue

a place where dead human bodies are kept until identified and/or released for final disposition.

Mouth Former

device used in the mouth to shape the contour of the lips.

Musculature Suture

method of mouth closure in which a suture is passed through the septum of the nose and through the mentalis muscle of the chin.

Mutilation

any altering or change made to a dead human body from the time of death, other than by natural causes.

Necrosis

pathological death of a tissue still a part of the living organism.

Needle Injector

mechanical device used to impel specially designed metal pins into bone.

Pathological Discoloration

antemortem discoloration that occurs during the course of certain diseases; gangrene and jaundice.

Pediculicide

substance able to destroy lice.

Perfuming Agents (Masking Agents)

chemicals found in embalming arterial formulations having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an unpleasant odor so that it is converted to a more pleasant one.

Personal Protective Equipment/PPE

those items of protection worn to minimize exposure to hazards; those items worn by the embalmer to avoid contact with blood and other body fluids.

Petechia

antemortem, pinpoint extravascular blood discoloration visible as purplish hemorrhages of the skin.

Pitting Edema

condition in which interstitial spaces contain such excessive amounts of fluid that the skin remains depressed after palpation.

Positioning Devices

preparation room equipment for properly positioning bodies prior to, during, and after vascular embalming.

Postmortem Caloricity

rise in body temperature after death due to continued cellular metabolism.

Postmortem Physical Changes

change in the form or state of matter without any change in chemical composition.

Postmortem Stain

extravascular color change that occurs when heme, released by hemolysis of red blood cells, seeps through the vessel walls and into the body tissues.

Preparation Room

that facility in a funeral home especially designed and equipped for embalming and preparation of dead human bodies.

Primary Disinfection

disinfection carried out prior to the embalming process.

Procurement

the recovery of organs or tissues from a cadaver for transplantation.

Prognathism

projection of the jaw or jaws that may cause problems with mouth closure and alignment of the teeth.

Property

anything that may be owned.

Prosthetic Device

an artificial device used to replace a limb, appendage, or other body part.

Purge

postmortem evacuation of any substance from an external orifice of the body as a result of pressure.

Pus

liquid product of inflammation containing various proteins and leukocytes.

Pustular Lesion

characteristic pus-filled structure of a disease, such as smallpox, syphilis, and acne.

Putrefaction

decomposition of proteins by the action of enzymes from anaerobic bacteria.

Razor burn (razor abrasion)

a darkened, air-dried area on the skin resulting from removal of the epidermis while shaving.

Re-aspiration

repeated aspiration of a cavity.

Receiving Remains

one of the categories required to be itemized on the GPL (if the funeral provider offers the service). This involves services of the funeral provider after initial services have been provided by another firm at the locale of death. Funeral Rule requires p

Receiving Vault

a structure so designed for the temporary storage of bodies that are not to be immediately interred.

Rental Casket

a casket which is used as a temporary receptacle for the dead human remains for the purpose of visitation and funeral, with the intention that the remains will be placed in some other suitable container for permanent disposition, while the casket is inten

Restoration

treatment of the deceased in the attempt to recreate natural form and color.

Rigor Mortis

postmortem stiffening of the body muscles by natural body processes.

Saccharolysis

decomposition of sugars.

Sanitation

process to promote and establish conditions which minimize or eliminate biohazards.

Saprophytic Bacteria

bacteria that derive their nutrition from dead organic matter.

Sealing Agents (sealers)

material used to provide a barrier or seal against any type of leakage of fluid or blood.

Service of Encasketing

in the Buddhist faith, a service performed as a part of casketing the body.

Shomer

in the Jewish faith, a watcher; one who sits with the body until burial.

Shroud

a cloth or garment in which a dead person is wrapped or dressed for burial.

Splint

an appliance as of wood, metal, etc., used to keep in place or protect a displaced or movable part.

Surface discoloration

discoloration due to the deposit of matter on the skin surface. These discolorations may occur antemortem, during, or after embalming of the body; adhesive tape, ink, iodine, paint, tobacco stains.

Surface Pack

absorbent material, compress, saturated with an embalming chemical and placed in direct contact with the tissue.

Tachrichim

a hand-sewn white linen shroud in which the deceased members of the Jewish faith are dressed.

Taharah

in the Jewish faith, the ceremony of washing the deceased before the burial; serves as a ritual purification or cleansing of the body and should be performed by the Chevra Kaddisha.

Tardieu Spots

minute petechial hemorrhages caused by the rupture of minute vessels as blood settles into the dependent areas of organs and tissues; it is accompanied by livor mortis. A postmortem, extravascular blood discoloration. Most common in asphyxial or slow deat

Tehiffim

in the Jewish faith, prayers said before the funeral by a group of friends and the shomer. These prayers come from the book of Psalms.

Temple Ordinances

ceremonial instructions of the Mormon Church, given only within a Temple to worthy members of the sect.

Tissue Gas

postmortem accumulation of gas in tissues or cavities brought about by an anaerobic gas forming bacillus. Clostridium perfringens.

Tobacco Tars

the yellowing/browning of the finger nails and fingers from excessive use of cigarettes; a surface discoloration.

Topical Disinfection

disinfection of the surface of the body or an object.

Unionall

plastic garment designed to cover the entire body from the chest down to and including the feet.

abscess

localized accumulation of pus

accessory

auxillary; assisting; lesser structure that reselbes a similar organ in structure and function, such as the accessory pancreatic duct

acids

a substance that yeilds hydrogen or hydronium ions in aqueous solution

acquired

presents itself after birth

acromegaly

hyperfunction of pituitary gland after ossification has been completed

acute

a disease with a more or less rapid onset and short duration

adipocere; gravewax

a wax like material produced by saponification of body fat in a body buried in alkaline soil

albumin

a protein found in blood plasma

alcohols

an organic compound containing one ormore hydroxyl (-OH) groups

aldehyde

an organic compound containing one or more -CHO groups

alimentary canal

the digestive system tube from the mouth to the anus, including the mouth or buccal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines

allergies

having a hypersensitivity to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction

allergy;hypersensitivity;

an acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance (allergen) that does not normally cause a reaction

amelia

congenital absence of one or more limbs

amines

an organic compound containing nitrogen; any compounds containing an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl (-COOH) group attached to an alpha carbon and a radical

amphoteric

any compound that can act as both an acid and a base in a solution (amino acid)

anasarca

generalized massive edema in subcutaneous tissue

anatomy

the branch of science dealing with the study of the structure of the body

anemia

a decrease in the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin or both

aneurysm

a localized dilation of a blood vessel

angiology

the study of vessels

antagonism

mutual opposition or contrary action. the inhibition of one microorganism by another

antibody

glycoprotein substance developed by the body in response to, and interacting specifically with, an antigen. also known as immunoglobulin

anticoagulants

chemicals used to keep the blood in the liquid state; chemical agents that retard the tendency of the blood to become more viscous by natural post mortem processes and or prevent other adverse reactions between the blood and the other embalming chemicals

antigen

a foreign substance that stimulates the formation of antibodies that react specifically with it

antisepsis

the prevention or inhibiting of the growth of causative microorganisms

anterior; ventral

before or in front of; refers to the ventral or front side of the body

attenuation

dilution or weakening of virulence of a microorganism, reduing or abolishing pathogenicity

aplasia

failure of a tissue or an organ to develop normally

appendicular skeleton

the body structure that makes up the pectoral girdle, upper extremities, pelvic girdle, and lower extremities

arterial (vascular) fluid

the concentrated, preservative embalming chemical that will be diluted with water (or another appropriate vehicle such as alcohol) to form the arterial solution for injection into the arterial (vascular) system during vascular (arterial) embalming

arteriosclerosis

disease of the arteries resulting in thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls

articulation

the place of union between two or more bones; a joint

ascities

accumulation of free serous fluid in the abdominal cavity

atherosclerosis

a form of arteriosclerosis marked by the deposition of lipids in the inner layer of arterial walls

atom

the smallest particle of an element that has all the properties of the element

atrophy

a wasting, decrease in size of an organ or tissue

autolysis

self digestion or self destruction of the body by autolytic enzymes

autopsy chemicals

those chemicals specifically designed for usein the preparation of bodies following an autopsy

autotrophic bacteria

self nourishing bacteria

axial skeleton

80 bones including the skull, vertebrae, thorax, and hyoid bone

bacillus; pl. bacilli

rod shaped bacteria

bacteremia

the presence of bacteria in the blood

bacteria

prokaryotic one celled microorganism of the kingdom monera, existing as free living organisms or as parasites, multiplying by binary fission and having a large range of biochemical properties

bacterial colony

a visible group of bacteria growing on a solid medium, presumable arising from a single microorganism

bactericide

an agent that destrooys bacteria but not necessarily their spores

bacteriology

science that studies bacteria

bases

a substance that yeilds hydroxide ions in aqueous solution

bilateral symmetry

refers to the symmetry of paired organs, or to an organism whose right and left halves are similar images of each other, or in which a median section divides the organism into equivalent right and left halves

biliary

pertaining to bile

biliary tract

organs and ducts that participate in the secretion, storgae, and delivery of bile to the duodenum

binary fission

a method of asexual reproduction involving halving of the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell followed by the development of each half into a new individual

biochemistry

that branch of chemistry dealing with compounds produced by living organisms

biological vector

an arthropod vector in which the disease causing organism multiplies or develops within the arthropod prior to becoming infective for a susceptible individual

bladder

a membranous sac or receptacle for a secretion or excretion

boiling

the rapid passage of liquid particles to the vapor state by forming bubbles through the action of heat. the term for the point of equilibrium between the liquid and gas states of matter and typically employed when the temperature is increasing

buccal

relating to the cheek or mouth

buffers

substances that in solution are capable of neutralizing, within limits, both acids and bases and thereby maintaining the original, or constant pH, of the solution

cachexia

a general state of ill-health, associated with emaciation

capsule

a sheath or continuous enclosure around an organ or structure

capsule

the membrane that surrounds some bacterial cells; a loose gel like structure that, in pathogenic bacteria, helps to protect against phagocytosis

carbohydrates

a compound of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen that is an aldehyde or ketone derivative of polyhydroxyl alcohol (sugar, starches, and glycogen)

carbuncle

several communicating boils of the skin and subcutaneous tissues with the production and discharge of pus and dead tissue

cardiology

study of the heart

carotic canal

canal in the petrous portion of the temporal bone that transmits the internal carotid artery and the internal carotid plexus of sympathetic nerves

cavitation

formation of cavities in an organ or tissue; frequently seen in some forms of tuberculosis

cavity fluid

concentrated embalming chemicals which are injected into the cavities of the body following aspiration in cavity embalming. these fluids can also be used for surface and hypodermic embalming of the problem area

central

situated at or pertaining to a center or central point

chlamydia

large group of nonmotile, gram negative intracellular parasites

chemical changes

a change in which a new substance or substances are produced that have entirely different properties from the original substance because the chemical composition has changed

chemical properties

characteristics that can be observed when a substance is interacting with other substances resulting in a change of chemical composition

chemistry

the branch of natural science that is concerned with the description and classification of matter, with the changes that matter undergoes, and with the enery associated with each of these changes

choanae

funnel shaped openings, especially of the posterior nares; one of the communication passageways between the nasal fossae and the pharynx

chronic

a disease with a more or less slow onset and long duration

cleft palate

congenitally malformed palate with a fissure along the midline

clinical pathology

study of disease by means of body secretions, excretionsand other body fluids performed in the laboratory in the diagnosis of a disease

coagulation

the process of converting soluble protein to insolbule protein by heating or by contact with a chemical such as an alcohol or an aldehyde

coccus(pl. cocci)

the type of bacteria that is spherical or ovoid in form

colloid

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

colon

the part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum

combustion

the rapid oxidation or burning that produces heat and light

commensalism

the symbiotic relationship of two organisms of different species in which one gains some benefit such as protection or nourishment and the other is not harmed or benefited

communicable

a disease that may be transmitt4ed directly or indirectly from one individual to another

complication

an unfavorable condition arising during the course of disease

compounds

a substance consisting of two or more atoms combined chemically in definite proportions by mass

concentrated solution

a solution containing a relatively large amount o solute

concentrations

the ratio of mass or volume of a solute to the mass or volume of the solution or solvent

concha

one of the three nasal conchae; a scroll like bone

concussion

the immediate and temporary disturbance of brain function

condensation

a change of state of matter from a gas to a liquid

condyle

a curved protuberance at the end of a bone forming an articulation

congenital

existing at the time of birth or shortly thereafter

congestion

accumulation of an excess of blood or tissue fluid in a body part

contamination

the act of introducing disease germs or infeccctious material into an area or substance

contusion

a bruise often accompanied with swelling

cortex

the outer layer of an organ as distinguished from the inner medulla, as in the adrenal gland or kidney

cretinism

a congenital condition due to hypothyroidism resulting in mental retardation

cryptorchism; cryptorchidism

condition in which the descent of a testis into thte scrotum is arrested at some point in the normal path

crystallization

the process by which a substance is given definite form

curvature

a normal or abnormal bending away; a curve

cyanosis

bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membrane due to lack of oxygen

cyst

a sac within or on the body surface containing air or fluid

cystic

of or pertaining to a cyst or sac like structure; pertaining to the gallbladder; pertaining to the urinary bladder

decay

the gradual decomposition of dead organic matter by the enzymes of aerobic bacteria

deep

below the surface

deficiency

disease due to lack of dietary or metabolic substance

degeneration

the deterioration of tissues with corresponding functional impairment as a result of disease or injury

dehydration

loss of moisture from body tissue which may occur antemortem or postmortem

dehydration; desiccation

removal of water from a substance. dehydration is generally used to indicate the natural loss of water, and the term desiccation is used when a substance is intentionally caused to lose water as in a desiccator

denaturation

the disruption and breakdown of the secondary structure of a protein by heat or chemicals

deodorants

chemicals having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an unpleasant odor so that it is iconverted to a morepleasant one

detoxification

reduction of the toxic properties of a poisonous substnce

diagnosis

the term denoting the naming of the disease or syndrome; to recognize the nature of a disease

dialdehyde

an organic compound containing two aldehyde (-CHO) radicals

diffusion

the movement of molecules or other particles in solution from an area of greaterconcentration to an area of lesser concentration until uniform concentration is reached

dilatation; dilation

the condition of the heart being enlarged, occurring normally, artifically or as a result of disease

dilute solution

a solution containing relatvely small amount of solute

diplobacilli

a double bacillus, two being linked end to end. morax axenfeld bacillus a cause of conjunctvitis is typical of this form

diplococcus

a genus of bacteria that occur in pairs

distal

farthest from the center, from a medial line, or from the trunk; opposite of proximal

disinfectant

a chemical or physical agent that kills disease causing microorganisms

disinfection

the destruction of disease causing microorganisms by chemical or physical means

dorsal

posterior; toward the back; opposit of anterior

drug fast

resistant, as in bacteria, to the action of a drug or drugs

dry gangrene

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 (e.g., ischemic necrosis)

dyes

a natural or synthetic compound that is used to impart color to another material

dysplasia

abnormal development of tissue

ecchymosis

small, non elevated hemorrhagic patch; extravasation of blood into a tissue

extopic pregnancy

the implantation of the fertilized ovum in a site other than the normal one in the uterine cavity

edema

also known as dropsy

edema

abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissue or ody cavities

elements

a simple substance which cannot be decomposed by ordinary chemical means

emaciation

excessive wasting away of the body

embalming chemistry

the study of those types of matter and changes in matter related to the disinfection and preservation of human remains

embalming fluids

the fluids specifically designed for preservation and disinfection purposes

embolism

free floating object in the blood stream

eminence

a prominence or projection, especially of a bone

empyema

pus in the pleural cavity

endemic

disease that occurs continuously in a particular region, but has low mortality

endemic

a disease that is continuously present in a community

endocrine

pertaining to a ductless gland that secretes directly into the bloodstream

endogenous infection

produced or arising from within a cell or organism

endospores

a thick walled spore within a bacterium

endotoxin

bacterial toxin confined within the cell wall of a bacterium freed only when the bacterium is broken down, found only in gram negative bacteria

enzyme

a protein that acts as a biological catalyst

epidemic

appearance of an infectious disease or condition that attacks many people at the same time in the same geographical area

epidemic

disease that is currently in higher than normal numbers

epilepsy

a chronic neurogenic disease marked by suddenalterations in consciousness and frequently by convulsions

epistaxis

bleeding from the nose

ester

a compound with the general formula RCOOR (where R is a hydrocarbon group or a hydrogen and R' is a hydrocarbon group) it is formed from an alcohol and organic (or carboxylic) acid by removal of water (dehydration)

etiology

the study of the cause of disease

exacerbation

increase in severity of a disease

exocring

pertaining to a gland that delivers its secretion through a duct

exogenous infections

originating outside an organ or part

exotoxin

a toxin produced by a microorganism and excreted into its surrounding medium

exsanguination

loss of blood to the point where life can no longer sustained

external

exterior; the opposite of internal

external auditory meatus

the lateral, outer opening of the external auditory canal

exudate

fluid or cellular debris exuding from blood vessels and deposited in tissues or tissue surfaces; usually a result of inflammation

facultative aerobe

a microorganism that prefers an environment devoid of oxygen but has adapted so that it can live and grow in the presence of oxygen

facultative anaerobe

an organism that prefers an oxygen environment but is capable of living and growing in its absence

facultative saphrophyte

prefers live organic matter as a source of nutrition but can adapt to the use of dead organic matter under certain conditions

fats

a common name for a triacylglycerol that is a semisolid or solid at room temp and contains a high percentage of saturated fatty acids

febrile

pertaining to or characterized by fever

fermentation

the microbial (enzymatic) decomposition of carbohydrates under anaerobic conditions

focal infection

one in which the organisms are originally confined to one area but enter the blood or lymph vessel and spread to other parts of the body

fomite

any inanimate object to which infectious material adheres and can be transmitted

fontanel

a temporarily unossified area on the surface of the cranium of an infant

formalin

formaldehyde gas dissolved in water at 37% by weight and 40% by volume

formaldehyde demand ; glutaraldehyde demand

that amound of formaldehyde necessary to overcome any nitrogen residue and cause the body proteins to become coagulated

fossa

a shallow depression

freezing

a change of state of matter from a liquid to a solid by the loss of heat. the term for the point of equilibrium between the solid and liquid states and typically employed when the temp is decreasing

fulminating

having rapid and severe onset, usually fatal

functional

a condition or disease in which there is no recognizable change in anatomy

fungicide

a substance that kills fungi

fungus(pl. fungi)

a group of diverse and widespread unicellular and multicellular organisms, lacking chlorophyll, usually bearing spores and often filamentous

furuncle

an abscess or pyogenic infection of a sweat gland or hair follicle

gases

a state of matter in which the atoms or molecules move about in almost complete freedom from one another. gases have no definite shape or volume and assume the shape and volume of their container by diffusing uniformly throughout the container

general infection

an infection that becomes systemic

general pathology

deals with the study of the widespread processes of disease such as inflammation, degeneration, necrosis or cellular death, repair, etc. without reference to particular organs or organ systems

germicide

a substance that destroy microorganisms

gland

a secretory organ or structure; a cell or group of cells that can manufacture a secretion

goiter

enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency

gross pathology

study of changes in structure of the body that are readily seen with the unaided eye as a result of disease

hardness of water

the condition of water that results from dissolved minerals and metallic iions such as calcium and magnesium

hematemesis

vomitting of blood

hematoma

tumore like swelling of blood

hematuria

discharge of red blood cells in the urine

hemophilia

an inherited hemorrhagic disease characterized by a tendency to excessive and sometime spontaneous bleeding

hemoptysis

blood in sputum

hemorrhage

ascape of blood fm blood vascular system

hereditary

genetic characteristic transmitted from parent to offspring

hernia

abnormal protrusion of part of an organ through an abnormal opening in the wall that normally contains t

heterocrine

a gland that has both endocrine and exocrine functions, such as the pancreas

heterotrophic bacteria (other than self nourishing)

organisms that must obtain their nourishment from complex organic matter

humectants

chemicals that increase the capability of embalmed tissues to retain moisture

hydrates

a compound in which there is a chemical union between water and certain substances when they crystallize

hydrocele

abnormal collection of fluid in any sacculated cavity in the body

hydrocephalus

excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain

hydrolysis

a chemical reaction in which a substance is broken down or dissociated by water, a reaction between a salt and water to yield an acid and a base of unequal strengths

hydronephrosis

distention of the pelvis and calyces of one or both kidneys with urine as a result of obstruction

hydropericardium

abnormal accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac

hydrothorax

abnormal accumulation of luid in the the thoracic cavity

hyperemia

excess of blood in an area of the body

hyperplasia

the increase size of an organ or part due to the excessive but regulated increase in the number of its cells

hypertonic solution

a solution having a great concentration of dissolved solute than the solution to which it is compared

hypertrophy

the enlargement of an organ or part due to the increase in size of cells composing it

hypochlorites

bleaches; chlorine containing compounds

hypoplasia

underdevelopment of a tissue, organ or the body

hypotonic solution

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

iatrogenic

results from the adverse activity of medical personnel

idiopathic

of unknown cause (ex: essential hypertension)

imbibition

the swelling and softening of tissues and organs as a result of absorbing moisture from adjacent sources

index

the strength of embalming fluids indicated bythe number of grams of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100 ml of solution. index usually refers to a percentage.

indigenous flora

synonymous with normal flora indicated the microbial population that lives with the host in a healthy condition

infarction

the formation of an area of necrosis in a tissue caused by obstruction in the artery supplying in the area

infection

the state or condition in which the body or a part of it is invaded by a pathogenic agent that under favorable conditions, multiplies and produces injurious effects

infection

the entry, establishment and multiplication of pathogenic organisms within a host

infiltration

the process of seepage or diffusion into tissue of substances that are not ordinarily present

inflammation

a tissue reaction to irritation, infection, or injury marked by localized heat, swelling, redness, pain, and omsetimes loss of function

inorganic chemistry

that branch of chemistry that studies the properties and reactions of elements, excluding organic or certain carbon containing compounds

insecticide

a substance that kills insects

integumentary

relating to the integument; a covering, such as the skin

intoxication

being poisoned by a drug or toxic substance

intracranial hemorrhage

extravasation of blood within the skull

iodophores

compound consisting of iodine combined with a carrier, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, often used as a preoperative skin disinfectant

ion

an atomic or molecular species with a positive cation) or negative (anion) electrical charge ; an atom of an element or a group of atoms acting as one unit that has lost or gained an electron or electrons and exhibits a charge

ischemia

reduction in arterial blood supply

islet

a tiny isolated mass of one kind of tissue within another type

islets of langerhans

clusters of cells in the pancreas which produce insulin

isotonic solution

a solution having anequal concentration of dissolved solute as the solution to which it is compared

juandice

conditions characterized by excessive concentration of dissolved solute as the solution to which it is compared

joint

the point of juncture between two bones; an articulation

ketones

any class of organic compounds containing the carbonyl group
(C=O) group whose carbon atom is joined to two other carbon atoms; the carbonyl group occurs within the carbon chain.
Carbonyl Group - a chemical group composed of one carbon atom double bonded

larvacide

a substance that kills insect larva

lesion

specific pathologic structural and functional changes or both brough about by disease

lethal dose 50% (LD50)

the amount of a poison (or radiation) that will kill 50% of the group to which it has been administered

leukemia

disease characterized by the appearance of great numbers of immature and abnormal white blood cells

leucocytosis

increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood

leucopenia

abnormal reduction in the number of white blood cells in the blood

liquids

a substance that flows readily but does not tend to expand indefinitely

lobes

well defined parts of an organ separated by boundaries

local infection

infection cause by germs lodging and multiplying at one point in a tissue and remaining there

lymphoma

malignancy of lymphoid tissue

malformation; anomaly

a defect or deformity

mandibular fossa

the depression in the temporal bone into which the condyle of the mandible fits

margin

a boundary such as the edge of a structure

matter

anything that has mass and occupies space

max temp

temp above which bacterial growth will not take place

meatus

passage or opening

mechanical vector

living organism capable of transmitting infections by carrying th e disease agent on its external body parts or surfaces

medicolegal (forensic) pathology

study of disease to ascertain cause and manner of death

medulla

the inner or central portion of an organ in contrast to the outer portion or cortex

melena

blood in stool

mesophile

bacteria that prefer moderate temp and develop best at temperature s between 25C and 40C

metal

an element marked by luster, malleability, ductility, and conductivity of electricity and heat. metallic elements tend to form positive ions

metaplasia

replacement of one type of tissue into a form that is not normally found there

metastasis

transfer of a disease from its primary site to a distant location

microaerophilic

microorganism that requires very little free oxygen

microbiology

scientific study of microorganisms and their effecton other loving organisms

microscopic path; histopathology

study of microscopic changes that cells, tissues and organs undergo as a result of disease

mixed infection

infection caused by two or more organisms

mixtures

a combination of two or more substances not chemically united and NOT in definite proportion by mass

minimum lethal dose; MLD

the smallest does of a poison (or radiation) on record that produces death

minimum demperature

temp below which bacterial growth will not take place

modifying agents

chemicals for which there may be greatly varying demands predicted upon the type of embalming, the environment and the arterial fluid used

moist (wet) gangren

necrotic tissue that is wet as a result of inadequate veous drainage; may be accompanied by the invasion of saprophytic bacter

molecule

smallest unit of a compound which can exist alone; an aggregation of atoms

morbidity rate

relative incidence of a disease in the population or number of cases in a given time at a given population

mortality rate

number of deaths in a place or proportion of deaths to a population

mutualism

relationship in which organisms of two different species live in close association to the mutual benefit of each

mycology

the branch of science concerned with the study of fungi

mycoplasmas

bacteria of the mycoplasma genus that are found in humans and have no cells wall; the smallest free living organism presently known being intermediate in size between viruses and bacteria

myology

the study of muscles

nares

the nostrils

nasal septum

the partition that divides the nasal cavity into two sections

necrosis

pathological death of a tissue still a part of the living organism

neoplasm; tumor

the abnormal, excessive and uncontrolled multiplication of cells with the formation of a mass of new growth of tissue

neurology

the study of the nervous system

neutralization

the reaction of an acid and a base to produce salt and water

nonmetal

any element that is not a metal. nonmetals tend to form negative ions

non symbiotic

organisms that are free living and relationships are not required for survival

nosocomial

infection acquired in a hospital

occupational disease

a disease with an abnormally high rate of occurrence in member of the workforce

oils

a common name for a triacylglycerol that is a liquid at room temperature and contains a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids

opportunist

an organism that exists as part of the normal flora but may beome pathogenic under certain conditions

optimum temp

temp at which organisms grow best

organic

a condition or disease in which there is a change in anatomy

organic chemistry

that branch of chemistry that deals with certain carbon containing compounds

orifice

the mouth, entrance, or outlet of any anatomical structure; an opening

osmosis

passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser solute concentration to one of greater solute concentrtion when two solutions are separated by a semi permeable membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules but it is permeable to th

osmotic pressure

pressure that develops when two solutions of different concentrations are separated by a semipermeable membrane

ossicle

any small bone, especially one of the three bones of the middle ear

osteomalacia

a disease marked by softening of the bones due to faulty calcification in adulthood

osteomyelitis

inflammation of bone and bone marrow

osteoporosis

loss of bone density

oxides

a compound consisting of oxygen combined with only one other element

pandemic

a disease affecting the majority of the population of a large region or one that is epidemic at the same time in may different parts of the world

pandemic disease

epidemic, widespread, even of worldwide event

parasitism

an interactive relationship between two organisms in which one is harmed and the other benefits

parietal

pertaining to or forming, the wall of a cavity, pertaining to the parietal bone

parts per million; ppm

a method of expressing low concentrations; 1 ppm is equivalent to 1 milligram per liter

pathogenicity

the state of producing or being able to produce pathological changes and disease

pathological anatomy

study of structural changes in the body caused by disease

pathology

science that deals with the study of disease

pathogenesis

the manner in which a disease develops

pectoral

pertaining to the front of the chest

peptide bond

a bond formed from a dehydration reaction between the amino group on one amino acid with the carboxyl (organic acid) group on the other amino acid

periodic table

the tabular arrangement of the elements in order of increasing atomic number. this arrangement allows the columns of elements to represent the periodic recurrence of similar properties

peripheral

outer surface of the body or body part; occuring away from the center

perpendicular

at right angles to another surface

petechia

antemortem, pinpoint, extravascular blood discoloration visible as purplish hemorrhages of the skin

pH

power/ potential of hydrogen; a number signifying the acidity or alkalinity of a chemical solution; the measure of hydrogen ion concentration of a solution

phocomelia

congenital condition in which the proximal portions of the limbs are poorly developed or absent

physical changes

change in the for or state of matter without any change in chemical composition

physical properties

properties of a substance that are observed without a change in chemical composition, which include color, odor , taste, solubility, density, hardness, melting point,, and boiling point