Which component of arterial fluid is designed to decrease molecular cohesion at the surface of a liquid?

• A. Surfactant
• B. Preservative
• C. Dye
• D. Buffer

Answer: (A)

The component of arterial fluid designed to decrease molecular cohesion at the surface of a liquid is a surfactant. Surfactants are surface-active agents that serve to lower the surface tension of liquids, which can facilitate the even distribution of embalming fluid throughout the tissues. By reducing surface tension, surfactants help the fluid to spread and penetrate more effectively into the embalmed tissues, improving the overall embalming process.

While preservatives help to inhibit decomposition, dyes provide color to the fluid to restore a natural appearance, and buffers maintain the pH balance, none of these functions relate directly to altering the molecular cohesion of liquids in the way that surfactants do. This distinct action of surfactants makes them crucial in the formulation of arterial fluids for effective embalming.