What happens when a body is embalmed?
Embalming is accomplished through a chemical fixation of the cell protein when formaldehyde is pumped into the body displacing the blood. Formaldehyde reacts with the solid albumins in the cell and converts them to gels. When this takes place, the bacteria in the body are destroyed, delaying decomposition. The modern embalming process is designed to prevent the body from returning to its natural elements. Under favourable conditions an embalmed corpse will remain fully intact for decades following death.
