What happens to arterial fluid injected into an edematous body?

When arterial fluid is injected into an edematous body, it typically becomes diluted. This occurs because edema signifies an excess accumulation of interstitial fluid in the tissues, which can alter how injected fluids interact within the body.

As the arterial fluid is introduced, the existing interstitial fluid mix with the formaldehyde and other components of the arterial fluid leads to a dilution effect. Furthermore, the presence of excess fluid in the tissues can impact the absorption and distribution of the arterial fluid, making it less concentrated as it disperses through the affected areas. This dilution is significant in ensuring proper preservation and is a key consideration for embalmers when managing cases with edematous conditions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the behavior of the arterial fluid in the presence of edema. For instance, evaporation is not a relevant concern in this context, and while rigidity can be enhanced through the embalming process, it is not a direct result of fluid dilution. Therefore, the dilution of arterial fluid is a critical factor when dealing with edematous bodies in the embalming process.