# Setting the features

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{{Short description|Part of funeral procedures}}
'''Setting the features''' is a [mortuary](/source/mortuary) term for the closing of the eyes and the mouth of a deceased person such that the [cadaver](/source/cadaver) is presentable as being in a state of rest and repose, and thus more suitable for [viewing](/source/viewing_(funeral)). While it is one of the first stages of [embalming](/source/embalming), it is also commonly done as a token of respect even when the deceased is not viewed or is directly [cremated](/source/cremation).  Generally only when the deceased (or their family) have specifically requested the body be untouched are the features left unset.

== Preparation ==
The body is disinfected and insects such as maggots and flies are removed.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.44–24.46. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> The body is then washed with water and germicidal soap. This movement of the body parts also helps to relieve rigor mortis,<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.47–24.48. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> and particular attention is given by the embalmer to parts of the body that are most visible during a viewing: the facial area and hands. The hair is washed and styled, either before or after the embalming.

The body is shaved in accordance to the family's wishes. The embalmer also relieves rigor mortis of the corpse by flexing and massaging various parts of the body.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.96–24.103. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> Prior to embalming, the embalmer will also position the corpse to an approximate final position. After embalming the muscles will firm and it may become difficult to position the corpse.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.104. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> In extreme cases where positioning is difficult, such as bodies with arthritis or paralysis, the embalmer may cut tendons and utilise straps to hold the body in a suitable position. [Autopsied](/source/Autopsy) bodies may need splints or dowels in the back to hold the head in place if the spine was removed.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.133–24.139. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

== Procedures ==
Of the aesthetic preparations prior to embalming, the closure of the eyes, mouth, and lips are the most aesthetically obvious. There is a distinction between mouth closure and lip closure, the former meaning closure of the jaws, whilst the latter is closure of the lips and 'setting' the look of the mouth.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.141. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

'''Eye closure'''

Though mouth and lip closures are usually done prior to [arterial injection](/source/Embalming), eye closure can be done regardless of whether the body has had the arterial injection. Care is advised for bodies with communicable diseases such as [herpes](/source/Herpes_simplex) and special caution for eye discharges and fluids from victims of [Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease.](/source/Creutzfeldt%E2%80%93Jakob_disease)<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.239. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

The eyelids are massaged to relieve rigor mortis, and if necessary, are stretched to fully close the eyes. An eye cap is inserted underneath the lids to maintain the rounded contour of a normal eye and to keep the eyelids from opening.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.241–24.243. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> If the eye has collapsed due to decomposition, the eye cavity can be packed with cotton prior insertion of the eye cap. If the arterial injection does not sufficiently fill the eye cavity, an injection of embalming fluid under the lids will preserve the eyes followed by gluing the lids shut with rubber-based body glue.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.244–24.249. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>
left|thumb|A mortician's restorative tools, amongst which includes eye caps and packing material for cavities, as well as smaller bottles of preserving fluid.
'''Mouth closure'''

Mouth closure is achieved through various methods. The body is first prepared by relieving rigor mortis, usually through massage. The oral and nasal cavities are swabbed clean, checked for any [purge material](/source/Human_decomposition), then the throat area is packed with cotton.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.145. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

A common method of mouth closure is via needle injector.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.173. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> A needle with a barbed tip and with a wire attached is driven into the [maxilla](/source/maxilla), behind the teeth, and another driven into the [mandible](/source/mandible). The two wires are then twisted together to bring the lower jaw up and close the mouth. In exceptions where the bone has atrophied or been fractured (as is the case with many denture users and automobile accident victims), a wire injection may require additional wires be set or sutures may be required.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.178–24.179. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

In such cases, an embalmer will use a muscle [suture](/source/Surgical_suture).<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.177. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> A needle and suture is drawn from the outer edge of the maxilla (the outer gums of the front teeth) into a [nostril](/source/nostril), pulled through the [septum](/source/Nasal_septum), and back down into the mouth. The needle then is pulled down to where the lower lip meets the mandible, pulled to the other side, and back up to meet with the hanging suture, at which point it is tied and the jaws are brought together.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.181. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> The sublingual suture is similar, exception being where the suture is drawn in the lower jaw, in the floor of the mouth as opposed to the front of the mandible, and this eliminates any unwanted dents in the skin of those with less flesh around the lower jaw.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.193. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

Uncommonly, the lips may simply be sealed by use of cyanoacrylate, though this is reserved usually to the bodies of the young or infants.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.213. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

'''Lip closure'''

After the mouth is closed, the cheeks may be padded to restore a normal contour, especially if the body is emaciated. The front of the mouth may also be padded to restore a normal contour, especially if the teeth are missing or sunken in.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.214–24.218. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref> Once padded, the lips are held in position with [petroleum jelly](/source/petroleum_jelly), rubber-based body glue, or [cyanoacrylate](/source/cyanoacrylate) in severe cases, prior to the arterial injection. The lips are sealed permanently after aerating the mouth cavity and after the embalmer confirms no blood or arterial fluid has leaked into the mouth.<ref>Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. 24.234. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

* Frederick, L.G. & Strub, Clarence (1989). ''The Principles and Practice of Embalming'' (Fifth Edition) Professional Training Schools Inc & Robertine Frederick. {{ISBN|1-135-52672-9}} 
* Mayer, Robert G. (2011). ''Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice''. McGraw-Hill. {{ISBN|978-0-07-174139-2}}.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Setting The Features}}
Category:Death customs

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Setting the features](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setting_the_features) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setting_the_features?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.