Mortuary embalming aims to preserve a body for a funeral, ensuring it retains a fresh appearance for a limited time. This process typically uses specific chemicals to prevent rapid decomposition. In contrast, anatomy departments use enhanced methods involving larger quantities and higher concentrations of formalin to keep cadavers intact for research purposes.

However, while these bodies can last for years, they often develop an unsettling, preserved look that may resemble something out of a horror film. Mary Roach's book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" explores these surprising aspects of human preservation.