What is the function of embalming in funeral services?

Embalming plays a vital role in the funeral service by focusing on the preservation and disinfection of a deceased person's body. This process involves replacing bodily fluids with preservative chemicals, which effectively slows down decomposition and helps maintain a lifelike appearance for a longer period. By disinfecting the remains, embalming also serves to reduce any potential health hazards that could arise from the rapid breakdown of the body, making it safer for both the funeral home staff and attendees during viewings.

The other options, while relevant to the overall funeral process, do not directly address the primary purpose of embalming. Preparing remains for cremation does not require embalming, as cremation involves the complete reduction of the body to ashes. Arranging services for the deceased and providing a viewing area are essential components of a funeral but are not tied to the specific act of embalming itself. Thus, the function of embalming is clearly aimed at preservation and disinfection, making it a crucial aspect of many funeral services.