Final answer:
Sodium citrate serves as an anticoagulant in embalming fluids by binding calcium ions, which are necessary for blood clotting, thus preventing the blood from coagulating.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sodium citrate, when used in embalming fluids, functions as an anticoagulant. It is critical in the embalming process to prevent blood from coagulating, which would otherwise make the preservation of the body more difficult. Sodium citrate accomplishes this by chelating calcium ions in the blood. Calcium plays a vital role in the coagulation cascade, promoting the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin, which then leads to the formation of a clot. By binding with calcium, sodium citrate prevents this process, thus keeping the blood from clotting within the vascular system.
By understanding the importance of calcium in blood clotting, we can appreciate how sodium citrate functions in embalming solutions alongside other preservatives and chemicals like formaldehyde, which kills bacteria and stops decomposition. Embalming is essential for both preserving the appearance of a body for funeral services and preventing the growth of bacteria and other organisms that contribute to decomposition.