ABSTRACT
Death is the cessation of vital function in an organism, tissue or cell.The clinical and pathological definitions of death express different viewpoints and excite controversy.
The absence of electro-encephalographic (EEG) waves is definitive proof that there is irreversible cessation of cerebral function. The brain is dead and independent life is no longer possible. However, almost all body cells tolerate ischaemia (p. 187) better than those of the central nervous system. Consequently, the tissues of the kidney, liver, heart and lung can remain alive for varying periods after brain death has been established.
