Which component of arterial fluids is responsible for surfacing agents and cleaning?

Surfactants are critical components of arterial fluids used in embalming, as they reduce the surface tension of liquids. This property enables surfactants to facilitate the penetration and distribution of the embalming fluid throughout body tissues. By enhancing fluid flow and enabling effective disinfection, surfactants help in the cleaning process, ensuring that the tissues are treated thoroughly and evenly. This characteristic is particularly important in achieving a uniform distribution of preservatives and other chemicals throughout the body, which ultimately aids in preservation and enhances the overall appearance of the deceased.

In the context of this question, surfactants play a key role in both surfacing agents and cleaning, making them the correct choice. Other components, like preservatives, primarily focus on tissue preservation, while dyes serve more as coloring agents to enhance the appearance of the body and minerals typically contribute functions such as strengthening tissue but do not directly involve surfacing or cleaning. Thus, surfactants uniquely fulfill the dual purpose of aiding the cleaning and application of the embalming process effectively.