Mortuary Science Practice Exam

Which of the following describes embalming?

1. The physical burial of a deceased individual

2. The preservation of the deceased using chemical substances

3. The arrangement of a funeral service

4. The process of cremation of a human body

The correct answer is: The preservation of the deceased using chemical substances

Embalming is specifically defined as the preservation of the deceased using chemical substances. This process typically involves the injection of various fluids that can prevent decomposition, enhance the appearance of the body, and temporarily delay the natural decay process after death. Formaldehyde, for example, is a common chemical used in embalming to achieve these goals. Understanding the purpose and method of embalming is critical in the practice of mortuary science, as it directly relates to how the deceased is prepared for viewing and funeral services. The other options do not accurately define embalming; they refer to different practices or processes related to handling the deceased. Physical burial involves interring the body in the ground, arranging a funeral service pertains to planning the events surrounding a funeral, and cremation is the process of reducing the body to ash. Each of these processes serves distinct purposes within mortuary science but does not encompass the definition of embalming itself.