Which anticoagulant is commonly found in embalming fluids?

Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant that is frequently used in embalming fluids to delay the coagulation of blood. Its primary function is to prevent blood from clotting, which allows for a more effective distribution of the embalming fluid throughout the vascular system. By maintaining blood in a liquid state, sodium citrate helps to achieve a more uniform process during the embalming procedure, facilitating better preservation of the body.

Other substances included in the question serve different purposes. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant that helps improve the penetration of embalming fluids but does not function as an anticoagulant. Formaldehyde is a preservative responsible for fixing tissues and preventing decomposition but is not specifically an anticoagulant. Ponceau is a dye used in some embalming fluids for color but does not have anticoagulant properties. Therefore, sodium citrate is the correct choice, as it directly addresses the need for anticoagulation in the embalming process.