Embalmers remove blood primarily to prevent rapid decay of the deceased's remains.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Prevention of Decomposition: Blood and other bodily fluids are rich in nutrients and moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. These microorganisms accelerate the decomposition process, leading to undesirable changes in appearance and odor. By removing these fluids, embalmers significantly slow down the rate of decay.
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Introduction of Preservative Chemicals: After removing the blood, embalmers replace it with embalming fluid, which is typically a mixture of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, methanol, and other chemicals. These chemicals act as preservatives by:
- Disinfecting: Killing bacteria and other microorganisms that contribute to decomposition.
- Fixing Tissues: Cross-linking proteins and other biological molecules, thereby hardening and preserving tissues.
- Dehydrating: Removing moisture from tissues, making them less hospitable to microbial growth.
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Improved Appearance: Removing blood helps to prevent discoloration of the skin, which can occur as blood breaks down. Embalming fluids also help to restore a more natural and lifelike appearance to the deceased.
In summary, removing blood during the embalming process is a crucial step to inhibit decomposition, disinfect the body, and allow for the effective preservation and presentation of the deceased.
