What is the primary goal of embalming?

The primary goal of embalming is to temporarily preserve the body for viewing and burial. This process involves the use of embalming fluids to slow down decomposition and maintain the body in a presentable state, which is essential for funeral services, allowing family and friends to say their goodbyes.

Embalming serves not just as a preservation method but also as a way to provide a sense of dignity and respect to the deceased by allowing for an appropriate visual presentation during memorial services. It is important to note that the preservation is intended to be temporary; the primary function of embalming is not to keep the body indefinitely, but rather to make it suitable for viewing in the short-term leading up to burial or cremation.

The other options provided do not capture the essence of embalming's primary intent as effectively. Preparing for burial incorporates aspects of the funeral process but does not specifically focus on the preservation aspect as outlined in the correct choice. Enhancing the visual presentation might be a secondary benefit of embalming, but it does not encapsulate the main purpose of preserving the body. Similarly, while maintaining the body for scientific study is an application of embalming techniques, it is not the primary goal within the context of funeral and memorial practices.