The canopic jars were used to preserve which part of the deceased’s body?

Prepare for the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Test with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and get ready to excel on your exam!

Canopic jars were specifically designed to preserve the internal organs of a deceased person in ancient Egyptian burial practices. After death, the body was embalmed, and the organs—such as the stomach, intestines, lungs, and liver—were removed to prevent decomposition. Each of these organs was placed in a separate canopic jar, which was then stored in a canopic chest or buried with the individual.

These jars were typically equipped with lids in the shape of the heads of protective deities known as the Four Sons of Horus, each one guarding a specific organ: Imsety for the liver, Hapy for the lungs, Duamutef for the stomach, and Qebehsenuef for the intestines. This practice was rooted in the belief that preserving these organs would be essential for the deceased's journey to the afterlife, as they were believed to be crucial for the person's existence after death. Thus, the use of canopic jars directly aligns with the preservation of internal organs, making that the correct answer.

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