Modifying+Agents

Jonathan Matthew Maddox

Modifying Agents

1. Definition of Modifying Agents

Modifying Agents- Chemical components of vascular fluids that control the rate and degree of tissue firmness by the fulid utilized (e.g., humectants, buffers) ; chemicals for which there may be greatly varying demands predicated on the type of embalming, the environment, and the embalming fluid used.

2. How is this term related to embalming or other practices relating to embalming?

Modifying agents influence the chemical reactions produced by the preservative solution and function in embalming fluids to control the action of the main preservative agent. Modifying agents control the rate of action of main preservative chemicals of embalming formulation.Buffers are employed in embalming fluids to stabilize the acid-base balance of the fluid. Certain alkalines are commonly employed to modify the action of formaldehyde. Humectants are descrbed as having a coating action, they wrap around the formaldehyde molecul and thus keep the formaldehyde from making direct contact with albumous material until the tissues are thoroughly saturated and bathed with the preservative solution. The inorganic salts used in embalming fluids serve a variety of function. A role for salts in any solution is their abitlity to control the osmotic qualities.

3. What do you find interesting about this term?

I have learned things about modifying agents that I did not previously learned in Embalming Class.

4.Why is this term important to this class?

This term is important to this class becuase we need to know about what the chemical make-up is of Modifying Agents. We need to know what it does and what it is to efficiently embalm someone with it.

5. Is there anything that you do not understand about this term?

I dont quiet know when to use it. In what cases would you use modifying agents.