What is a common effect of increased embalming fluid pressure?

Increased embalming fluid pressure often leads to increased tissue firmness. When the pressure of the embalming fluid is elevated, it allows for more fluid to be pushed into the tissues more rapidly and extensively. This results in better penetration and distribution of the embalming chemicals throughout the body's tissues, causing them to become firmer. The firmness is a direct indicator that the tissues have absorbed a significant amount of the embalming fluid, which is crucial for proper preservation.

Body firmness is also desirable as it can help maintain the body’s shape and prevent distortion during the embalming process and subsequent viewing. This is particularly important in funerary practices, where maintaining a natural appearance is a key consideration for those viewing the body. Other effects associated with higher pressure, such as improved drainage or reduction of color, might occur under certain circumstances, but they are not direct consequences of the increased firmness resultant from fluid absorption at higher pressures.