PRINCIPLES OF EMBALMING II SCIENCE - PHT 313
MIDTERM EXAM | 2026/2027 Exam with Complete
Questions & Verified Answers | Brand New Version
1. What is the primary purpose of formaldehyde in
embalming fluid?
A) Deodorize the body
B) Preserve tissue by cross-linking proteins
C) Add color to arteries
D) Reduce viscosity of fluid
Rationale: Formaldehyde chemically fixes tissue by
forming methylene bridges
between amino acids, preventing decomposition.
2. A standard arterial fluid has an index of 20. What does
this indicate?
,A) It contains 20% methanol
B) It contains 20 grams of formaldehyde per 100 mL of
solution
C) It is diluted 20:1
D) It has a pH of 2.0
Rationale: The index represents grams of formaldehyde
gas per 100 mL of fluid; a
20-index fluid is standard-strength.
3. Which buffer is commonly added to embalming fluid to
maintain
physiological pH?
A) Hydrochloric acid
B) Sodium borate or borax
C) Sulfuric acid
D) Ammonium chloride
Rationale: Borates help stabilize pH between 7–8,
, promoting optimal fixation and
reducing tissue irritation.
4. What is the effect of using a high-index fluid on a
dehydrated body?
A) Improved moisture retention
B) Increased tissue hardening and potential shriveling
C) Enhanced natural coloration
D) Faster drainage
Rationale: High formaldehyde concentrations accelerate
dehydration and can cause
excessive firmness in already dry tissue.
Advantages of embalming with Formaldehyde - ANSWER-
1. Inexpensive to produce
2. Inhibits mold and yeast growth
3. It is a bactericidal
MIDTERM EXAM | 2026/2027 Exam with Complete
Questions & Verified Answers | Brand New Version
1. What is the primary purpose of formaldehyde in
embalming fluid?
A) Deodorize the body
B) Preserve tissue by cross-linking proteins
C) Add color to arteries
D) Reduce viscosity of fluid
Rationale: Formaldehyde chemically fixes tissue by
forming methylene bridges
between amino acids, preventing decomposition.
2. A standard arterial fluid has an index of 20. What does
this indicate?
,A) It contains 20% methanol
B) It contains 20 grams of formaldehyde per 100 mL of
solution
C) It is diluted 20:1
D) It has a pH of 2.0
Rationale: The index represents grams of formaldehyde
gas per 100 mL of fluid; a
20-index fluid is standard-strength.
3. Which buffer is commonly added to embalming fluid to
maintain
physiological pH?
A) Hydrochloric acid
B) Sodium borate or borax
C) Sulfuric acid
D) Ammonium chloride
Rationale: Borates help stabilize pH between 7–8,
, promoting optimal fixation and
reducing tissue irritation.
4. What is the effect of using a high-index fluid on a
dehydrated body?
A) Improved moisture retention
B) Increased tissue hardening and potential shriveling
C) Enhanced natural coloration
D) Faster drainage
Rationale: High formaldehyde concentrations accelerate
dehydration and can cause
excessive firmness in already dry tissue.
Advantages of embalming with Formaldehyde - ANSWER-
1. Inexpensive to produce
2. Inhibits mold and yeast growth
3. It is a bactericidal
