What is the initial purpose of individual/bridge sutures?

Individual or bridge sutures are primarily designed to temporarily secure tissues in place during the embalming process or preparation for viewing. These sutures help to stabilize tissues that may be displaced or need to be held together for an aesthetic finish. By providing temporary support, individual/bridge sutures allow funeral professionals to manage the positioning of tissues effectively during embalming or restorative work. This is crucial for preserving the appearance of the deceased and ensuring a respectful presentation.

The other options focus on purposes that are not aligned with the initial function of these sutures. For example, permanently closing incisions is more accurately associated with continuous suturing techniques rather than the temporary nature of individual/bridge sutures. Similarly, while organ preservation is a part of the broader embalming process, these sutures are not specifically designed with that as their primary aim. Lastly, promoting faster healing in open wounds pertains more to medical suturing practices rather than the temporary fixation needed during the funeral preparation process.