What is the chemical used in embalming fluids to reduce surface tension and aid in penetration?

The correct answer is surfactant. Surfactants play a crucial role in embalming by reducing the surface tension of the embalming fluid, allowing it to penetrate tissues more effectively. This penetration is vital for ensuring that the preservative agents reach and interact with the cells and tissues of the body, facilitating proper embalming and preservation.

In contrast, humectants are substances that help to retain moisture in the tissues but do not specifically aid in reducing surface tension. Dehydrants are agents used to remove moisture from tissues, which is the opposite of the desired effect in embalming. Preservatives are chemicals used in embalming fluids to inhibit decomposition, but they do not directly contribute to the reduction of surface tension. Thus, surfactants are specifically designed to enhance the penetration of embalming fluids, making them essential in the embalming process.