How does refrigeration or freezing benefit post-mortem tissue preservation?

Refrigeration or freezing significantly benefits post-mortem tissue preservation by helping to maintain tissue integrity until processing. These methods slow down the metabolic processes and enzymatic activities that cause decay, thereby preserving the structural and functional characteristics of the tissue. By reducing the temperature, the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms is inhibited, which can otherwise lead to decomposition. This preservation is crucial to ensure that the tissue remains viable and suitable for transplantation or research purposes.

Maintaining tissue integrity is vital, as it allows for better outcomes when the tissues are ultimately prepared for medical use or scientific study. By using these preservation methods, tissue banks can ensure that the tissues they store will retain their quality and can be effectively utilized later.