What does the term isotonic refer to in embalming fluids?

The term isotonic in the context of embalming fluids refers to a solution that has an equal solute concentration compared to the fluids within the body's cells. This is crucial in embalming because when fluids are introduced into the body, maintaining an isotonic environment helps prevent the movement of water in or out of the cells. By keeping the fluid's concentration balanced, it minimizes the osmotic pressure that could lead to cell damage or lysis.

Using isotonic fluids allows for effective preservation without disturbing the natural balance of the body’s cells, which is essential for proper embalming practices. This knowledge is particularly important for embalmers to ensure that they are using the appropriate fluids to achieve preservation without causing harmful effects to the tissue.