Editing Embalming (section)

{{Short description|Method of preserving human remains}}
{{Redirect|Embalmer|other uses|The Embalmer (disambiguation){{!}}The Embalmer|and|Embalmer (band)|and|Embalming (manga)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
[[File:Unknown location. Embalming surgeon at work on soldier's body LOC cwpb.01887.jpg|thumb|Embalming was popularized in the United States during the [[American Civil War]].|alt=Embalming surgeon at work on soldier's body ]]

'''Embalming''' is the art and science of preserving human remains by treating them with [[embalming chemicals]] in modern times to forestall [[decomposition]].<ref name="Brenner-2014" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Embalming and other methods of dead body preservation |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261438780 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230410024117/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261438780_Embalming_and_other_methods_of_dead_body_preservation |archive-date=2023-04-10 |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=ResearchGate |language=en}}</ref> This is usually done to make the deceased suitable for viewing as part of the funeral ceremony or keep them preserved for medical purposes in an anatomical laboratory.<ref name="Brenner-2014" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Romesberg |first=Tricia |date=2004 |title=Understanding Grief: A Component of Neonatal Palliative Care |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/484135_2 |journal=Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care |volume=6 |issue=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414043342/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/484135_2 |archive-date=14 April 2015 |via=Medscape}}</ref> The three goals of embalming are [[disinfection|sanitization]], presentation, and preservation, with restoration being an important additional factor in some instances.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Ajileye |first1=Ayodeji |last2=Esan |first2=Ebenezer |last3=Adeyemi |first3=Oluwakemi |date=2018 |title=Human Embalming Techniques: A Review |url=https://www.nwpii.com/ajbms/papers/AJ20180203.pdf |journal=American Journal of Biomedical Sciences |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=82–95 |doi=10.5099/aj180200082 |issn=1937-9080 |via=NWPII}}</ref> Performed successfully, embalming can help preserve the body for many years. Embalming has a long, [[cross-cultural]] history, with many cultures giving the embalming processes religious meaning.<ref name="Brenner-2014" />

Animal remains can also be embalmed by similar methods, though embalming is distinct from [[taxidermy]].<ref>{{cite web|website=All Star Training|title=Embalming Techniques|year=2016|accessdate=2024-12-03|url=https://allstarce.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Embalming-Techniques-2016.pdf}}</ref> Embalming preserves the body while keeping it intact, whereas [[taxidermy]] is the recreation of an animal's form often using only the creature's skin, fur or feathers mounted on an anatomical form.<ref>{{cite web|first=Darya Mohammed |last=Azeez|title=Practical Comparative anatomy: C1|website=Salahaddin University-Erbil: Academic Staff|url=https://academics.su.edu.krd/public/profiles/darya.azeez/teaching/teaching-45-46280-1700759303-1.pdf|accessdate=2024-12-03}}</ref>