Death
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The exact moment of death is difficult to determine, and various conventions have been established to make a legal or medical decision regarding whether a person has died. Before heart-lung machines were available, the persistence of a pulse was the main factor considered. More recently, [[brain]] death is considered to be more relevant, as demonstrated by the presence or absence of certain brain waves. This can prove controversial as was the case with [[Terri Schiavo]], who was used as the proverbial political football by various and sundry [[conservative]]s trying to score points with [[fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] [[Christian]]s. | The exact moment of death is difficult to determine, and various conventions have been established to make a legal or medical decision regarding whether a person has died. Before heart-lung machines were available, the persistence of a pulse was the main factor considered. More recently, [[brain]] death is considered to be more relevant, as demonstrated by the presence or absence of certain brain waves. This can prove controversial as was the case with [[Terri Schiavo]], who was used as the proverbial political football by various and sundry [[conservative]]s trying to score points with [[fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] [[Christian]]s. | ||
| + | However, when the pulse does stop, this is referred to as 'clinical death.' It is important to note that whilst clinical death often leads to death, it is NOT the same thing. | ||
Chemically, the previously living body stops resisting entropy and comes to equilibrium with the environment (usually by being consumed by a variety of other still-living organisms), which we call decomposition. Some call it [[heaven]]. Tales of Near Death Experiences (NDEs) are always good for a book deal, or a stint on [[Coast to Coast AM]], but the universality of the experiences across cultures suggests a biological explanation, perhaps the reaction of any human brain to mortal trauma. | Chemically, the previously living body stops resisting entropy and comes to equilibrium with the environment (usually by being consumed by a variety of other still-living organisms), which we call decomposition. Some call it [[heaven]]. Tales of Near Death Experiences (NDEs) are always good for a book deal, or a stint on [[Coast to Coast AM]], but the universality of the experiences across cultures suggests a biological explanation, perhaps the reaction of any human brain to mortal trauma. | ||
[[category:medicine]] | [[category:medicine]] | ||
Revision as of 10:28, 27 September 2009
Death is the end of life.
As a concept it is easier to define and apply to multicellular animals, since many plants and single-celled lifeforms are capable of dividing (mitosis), budding, or sprouting into what can become independent organisms which are genetic clones of the original critter.
The exact moment of death is difficult to determine, and various conventions have been established to make a legal or medical decision regarding whether a person has died. Before heart-lung machines were available, the persistence of a pulse was the main factor considered. More recently, brain death is considered to be more relevant, as demonstrated by the presence or absence of certain brain waves. This can prove controversial as was the case with Terri Schiavo, who was used as the proverbial political football by various and sundry conservatives trying to score points with fundamentalist Christians. However, when the pulse does stop, this is referred to as 'clinical death.' It is important to note that whilst clinical death often leads to death, it is NOT the same thing.
Chemically, the previously living body stops resisting entropy and comes to equilibrium with the environment (usually by being consumed by a variety of other still-living organisms), which we call decomposition. Some call it heaven. Tales of Near Death Experiences (NDEs) are always good for a book deal, or a stint on Coast to Coast AM, but the universality of the experiences across cultures suggests a biological explanation, perhaps the reaction of any human brain to mortal trauma.