What is the process of chemically treating a deceased body to prevent decomposition and restore appearance called?

The process of chemically treating a deceased body to prevent decomposition and restore its appearance is known as embalming. This technique involves the use of various chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which serve both to delay the natural decomposition of the body and to enhance its visual presentation for viewing during funeral services. Embalming is an essential practice in the funeral industry as it allows for a more prolonged and aesthetically pleasing viewing of the deceased, providing comfort to family members and friends who wish to pay their respects.

Restoration, while related to making the deceased presentable, typically refers to the physical and cosmetic enhancements that follow embalming to improve the overall appearance of the body. Preservation often refers more broadly to any methods used to extend the lifespan of organic material, which can include refrigeration or other preservation techniques aside from embalming. An autopsy is a medical procedure performed to determine the cause of death and does not pertain to the process of treating the body for funeral purposes. Thus, embalming specifically focuses on the chemical treatment and preparation of the deceased body for final disposition and viewing.