What We Do With Dead Bodies

The video explores various post-mortem options, including traditional burial, cremation, and alternative methods like alkaline hydrolysis and promession. It discusses the biological processes after death, the environmental impact of different methods, and the historical context of burial practices. The video also highlights the growing trend of environmentally friendly options and the potential for body donation to science.

What is one reason the US Funeral services industry is valued at $20 billion?

• The increasing number of morticians

• The popularity of Viking burials

• The high cost of embalming fluids

• The variety of post-mortem options available

Which cells in the human body die first after the heart stops beating?

• Skin cells

• Bone cells

• Brain cells

• Muscle cells

What is a significant environmental concern associated with modern embalming?

• It involves toxic chemicals like formaldehyde

• It requires a lot of electricity

• It releases harmful gases into the air

• It uses a large amount of water

What percentage of Americans choose cremation over burial?

• 41%

• 25%

• 75%

• 60%

What is a potential environmental downside of cremation?

• It releases mercury emissions from dental work

• It produces a lot of solid waste

• It requires a large amount of water

• It takes up a lot of physical space

What is alkaline hydrolysis primarily used for?

• Producing heirloom jewelry

• Preserving bodies for museums

• Disposing of diseased livestock

• Creating artificial reefs

What is the process of replacing a body's water and fats with plastics called?

• Plastination

• Embalming

• Promession

• Mummification