Surface embalming is best described as

• A. Preservation of tissues by direct contact
• B. Injection into tissues
• C. Thirty minutes of pre-embalming
• D. Removal of all fluids

Answer: (A)

Surface embalming preserves tissues through direct contact with embalming fluids applied to the surfaces of the body. The fluids penetrate the outer tissues and fix proteins, slowing decomposition even when the vascular system isn’t distributing chemicals. This makes it distinct from injecting chemicals into the bloodstream or tissues, which relies on arterial distribution. It’s not about time before embalming or about removing all fluids, so those choices don’t describe the method.