Which of the following is a common embalming fluid?

Formaldehyde is a widely used embalming fluid primarily due to its effectiveness as a preservative and disinfectant. When incorporated into embalming solutions, formaldehyde reacts with proteins in body tissues, leading to their preservation and decreasing decomposition. This quality makes it invaluable in the embalming process as it helps maintain the physical appearance of the deceased while also significantly minimizing bacterial growth and the risk of disease transmission.

In contrast, although substances like alcohol, water, and glycerin may have various applications in different contexts, they do not possess the same level of efficacy or acceptance as formaldehyde for embalming purposes. Alcohol, for example, may be used as a solvent or a disinfectant but does not provide the permanent preservation qualities associated with formaldehyde. Water serves more as a diluent or carrier fluid rather than a preservative, while glycerin can be used in creating embalming fluids but does not function effectively on its own as a primary preservative.