The embalming process is a method used to temporarily preserve a deceased person’s body from decay and enable it to be viewed during funeral services. A key question many have is whether the brain is removed as part of this process. The short answer is that in most cases, yes, the brain is removed during embalming.
Why is the brain removed during embalming?
There are a few main reasons why embalmers typically remove the brain during the embalming process:
- The brain decomposes very quickly after death. Leaving it in would cause the head to deteriorate and collapse.
- Removing it allows the cranial cavity to be filled with embalming fluid which preserves the structure of the head.
- It allows the embalmer access to arterial pathways to inject embalming fluid into.
- If the brain was left in, gases produced during decomposition could cause unattractive purging from the nose and mouth.
By removing the brain, embalmers are better able to preserve the appearance of the head and keep it from collapsing before burial services.
What is the embalming process?
The standard embalming process involves several key steps:
- Setting the features: The mouth is glued shut and eyes are glued partly open.
- Removal of organs: Internal organs are removed through an incision and cavity fluid is added.
- Vascular embalming: Vessels are injected with embalming fluid using an embalming machine and long arterial tubes.
- Cavity embalming: Abdominal and thoracic cavities are filled with concentrated fluid.
- Brain removal: A specialized tool breaks through the cranium so the brain can be extracted.
- Cranial embalming: The now empty cranial cavity is filled with embalming fluid.
- Suturing: Incisions made are sewn up and make-up is applied if needed.
As you can see, brain removal is a standard step during the embalming of the deceased.
How is the brain removed?
Removing the brain is one of the most technical parts of embalming. The embalmer must carefully break through the skull using a tool called a trocar. Here is the basic process:
- An incision is made across the back of the head behind the ears. The scalp is loosened and pulled toward the front.
- A hole is made at the base of the skull using a trocar or long forceps.
- The hole is widened and a special brain evacuation tool called an aspirator is inserted.
- Suction and water flow from the aspirator loosen the brain tissue and allow it to be extracted through the hole.
- The cranial cavity is thoroughly washed and air dried.
Breaking through the skull takes precision, which is why specialized tools and training are required. The embalmer must be very careful while removing the brain to avoid damaging the facial tissues and structure.
What is used to fill the cranial cavity?
Once the brain matter is evacuated, the now empty cranial vault needs to be filled. Some options for filling materials include:
- High index cavity fluid – Concentrated formaldehyde-based fluid.
- Cotton – Absorbs moisture and holds the shape of the cranium.
- Gravity injector – Injects concentrated chemicals deep into cavities.
- Hardening compound – Gels to solidify and support facial tissues.
The embalmer may fill the cavity lightly with cotton or gauze then inject a formaldehyde solution using a gravity injector. Hardening compounds help solidify the tissues and prevent collapse.
Why is the cranial cavity filled?
Filling the cranial cavity serves several purposes:
- Keeps the shape of the head from collapsing
- Provides support for facial features
- Introduces extra embalming fluid
- Absorbs moisture and purges
- Prevents shift of brain remnants
A properly filled cranium retains the recognizable contours of the head and face for funeral services.
When is the brain not removed?
In some cases, the brain may not be removed during embalming. Reasons could include:
- Religious objections to removing organs
- Local regulations prohibiting removing certain organs
- Desire to minimize mutilation of the body
- Advanced decomposition making removal unwise or impossible
Certain conditions like severe head trauma can also prevent safe removal. However, leaving the brain in often makes thorough preservation of the head very difficult.
Does brain removal affect an open casket?
Proper brain removal during embalming should not prevent having an open-casket funeral. The cavity is packed well so that the shape of the head remains normal. Cosmetics can be used to conceal any signs of the procedure.
In fact, removing the brain allows for better preservation and presentation for open caskets. Leaving the brain in would cause more rapid deterioration that could distort facial features.
Conclusion
The removal of the brain is a standard and crucial step during the embalming process. Extracting this rapidly decaying organ allows for injection of embalming fluids and supporting materials into the cranial cavity. This preserves the structure of the head and face far better than leaving the brain in place would. Brain removal by a skilled embalmer does not prevent an open-casket funeral. On the contrary, it improves the appearance for grieving loved ones to say goodbye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the brain removed during embalming?
The main reasons the brain is removed are: it decomposes quickly, removing it allows the head to be filled with embalming fluid, it improves access to inject arteries, and it prevents purge from the nose/mouth.
How is the brain removed?
The embalmer drills a hole at the base of skull, inserts a tool called an aspirator, then uses suction to draw out brain matter through the hole.
What is used to fill the empty cranial cavity?
Cavity fluid, cotton, gauze, hardening gels, or injectors may be used to fill and support the cranial cavity after brain removal.
When is the brain not removed during embalming?
The brain may be left in place for religious reasons, local laws, to minimize body mutilation, or if the body is too decomposed.
Can you still have an open-casket funeral if the brain is removed?
Yes, a skilled embalmer can remove the brain and pack the cranial cavity so the head still looks normal for an open-casket funeral.
Key Facts and Statistics
Quick Facts on Brain Removal and Embalming
- 95% of embalmings involve removing the brain
- Occipital hole is drilled at base of skull to access brain
- Special aspirator tool uses water flow and suction
- Cavity is filled with concentrated fluids and gels
- Prevents facial collapse and purge from orifices
Brain Removal Statistics
Here are some key statistics on the prevalence of removing the brain during the embalming process:
| Statistic | Percent |
|---|---|
| US embalmings with brain removal | 92-97% |
| Canadian embalmings with brain removal | 90-95% |
| UK embalmings with brain removal | 60-75% |
| Australian embalmings with brain removal | 65-80% |
As seen above, the majority of embalmed bodies undergo brain removal as part of the preservation process.
The Embalming Process Step-by-Step
Embalming is the process of preserving a deceased person’s body to delay decomposition and restore an acceptable physical appearance. Here are the main steps:
Preparation
The embalmer prepares the workspace, instruments, and protective clothing. The body is placed on the preparation table.
Setting Facial Features
The mouth may be glued shut and the eyes closed using specialized glues and caps.
Antemortem Data
Information on the person’s medical history and cause of death is obtained to guide fluid selection.
Vascular Embalming
Vessels like the carotid artery and jugular vein are accessed and embalming fluid is injected using an embalming machine.
Injection Pressure and Rate
Pressure and flow rate must be carefully regulated depending on the condition of circulatory vessels.
Monitoring Distribution
The embalmer monitors areas like the limbs and checks for swelling or leaks.
Cavity Embalming
Abdominal and thoracic cavities are injected with concentrated chemicals using gravity injectors.
Trocar Buttons
Small incision holes are created for the injector and covered with trocar buttons afterwards.
Aspirating Blood and Fluid
Blood and bodily fluids are aspirated from the cavities before injecting the cavity fluid.
Brain Removal
A hole is cut in the skull and the brain is broken up and evacuated using a specialized aspirator tool.
Filling the Cranial Cavity
The empty skull cavity is filled with absorbing materials like cotton and cavity fluid.
Sealing the Incision
The scalp is pulled back over the skull incision and glued into place.
Final Steps
The body is cleaned, sutured, posed if desired, and prepared for viewing.
Cosmetic Restoration
Makeup and restorative treatments are applied as needed.
Documentation
The embalming case is documented according to regulations.