What term refers to the preservation of tissue in warm, dry conditions?

Prepare for the Vermont Medical Death Investigator Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Ensure your success on test day!

The term that refers to the preservation of tissue in warm, dry conditions is mummification. This process typically occurs in environments where conditions are conducive to drying out the body rather than allowing for decomposition through moisture and microbial activity. Mummification can take place naturally or be facilitated by certain cultural practices, such as those seen in ancient Egypt, where bodies were intentionally preserved using various methods.

In these warm and dry environments, bodily fluids evaporate, and the tissues become desiccated, effectively halting the decomposition process. This preservation can result in the retention of the body's shape, and in some cases, even the details of the skin and other superficial structures, which is a key characteristic of mummification.

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