A mortuary is a place where bodies are stored prior to burial or cremation. It is an important part of the funeral process and is a major subject in mortuary science classes. Some students go on to become morticians or funeral directors.
A mortuary can be confused with a crematorium, but there are some significant differences. The primary difference is that a mortuary can also perform cremation services on site.
It is a place for the storage of bodies
Typically, the bodies of dead people are stored in a mortuary until they can be identified, buried or cremated. This can take a few hours to a few days, and in rare cases, even a few weeks. To prevent the body from decomposition, it is important to store it in a refrigerated environment.
This is where mortuary refrigerators come in. These refrigerators can lower the temperature and humidity of a corpse, which can slow down metabolism and enzymatic activity, inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, and preserve the appearance and dignity of the body. They also can facilitate postmortem examination and autopsy, or embalming.
The main difference between a funeral home and a mortuary is that a funeral home provides services like visitations, memorials, and casket displays, while a morgue focuses on the scientific preparation of the body for burial or cremation. The funeral home is usually staffed with licensed professionals, while the mortuary has trained technicians and a laboratory-like prep room.
It is a place for the preparation of bodies
Undertakers, also known as morticians, prepare the body for burial or cremation. This typically involves embalming to preserve the remains and disinfect them. This is important for safety reasons, as in years past diseases like typhoid fever and malaria put funeral directors and others at risk of contracting them.
After the embalming process is complete, the funeral director dresses the body and applies cosmetics to make it look more life-like. He or she will then place the body in a casket. This is an important step, and one that requires a great deal of skill to do well. Too much or too little cosmetics can have a negative effect on the appearance of the body.
Mortuaries focus on care and preparation of the deceased, while funeral homes work with families to create meaningful end-of-life services. Funeral homes have chapels, viewing rooms, and other spaces to hold events and services. They may also have a staff of funeral directors who help families make arrangements and organize services.
It is a place for cremation
Cremation is becoming increasingly popular and there are many options for a final resting place. Many cemeteries have mausoleums and columbariums that can house urns of both whole caskets and cremated remains. You can also keep the urn at home or scatter the ashes in a special location.
In the past, people were afraid that they would be buried alive, so they were kept in waiting mortuaries while staff monitored them for signs of life. These facilities were usually large halls and had glass fronts so that the deceased could be seen.
While funeral homes can offer a wide range of services, mortuaries specialize in the care and preparation of the body. They have fewer customer interactions and a more limited scope of work. Some are affiliated with funeral homes, while others operate independently. If you’re planning on a cremation, Green Cremation Texas is available to help 365 days a year. Call us or visit our website for more information.
It is a place for burial
A mortuary is a place where bodies are held until they can be buried or cremated. It is a place for people to mourn the death of their loved ones. Licensed professional staff members are available to provide support and assistance for the survivors in their time of grief. They also assist with the arranging and conducting of funeral services.
The body is placed in a casket or an alternative container after it is embalmed and dressed. It is then brought to a cemetery or mausoleum for burial. Occasionally, a ceremony or religious service may be held at the graveside instead.
A person who escorts the casket at a funeral service or viewing. He or she is usually an honorary pallbearer. The term can also refer to a small container that holds a portion of cremated remains, usually given to immediate family members. They are available in a variety of styles and are sometimes referred to as memento urns.