Question

Write the difference between clinical death and biological death.

Answer 1

Hint: The two most vital organs for humans are brain and heart. The heart is pumping blood continuously which facilitates oxygen transport throughout the body. The brain monitors the functioning of all organs.

Complete answer:
Clinical death is the term used in medical biology when the person’s heart stops beating. But this is not necessarily permanent. There are chances of survival as the brain remains alive for 4-6 minutes. Once the brain stops functioning, the person is biologically dead. Biological death refers to the condition when all the organs of the body including the brain have ceased functioning.

Additional information: Clinical death is a term used when the blood circulation and breathing are coming to an end. Its cessation of the heart and brain functioning. Although this is not necessarily permanent, it may lead to biological death if right medical care is not given. Hence the phase between clinical death and biological death is called ‘Window of survival’.
During cardiac arrest, clinical death is observed. If the early medical attention is given at the right time, then the condition can be reversed and the person’s heart can be revived.
After the heart stops beating, the brain remains alive for 4-6 minutes. It is during this time, that the right medical attention works. That time phase is called ‘Window of Survival’. Once that time is elapsed, then biological death of the person is declared. It is the point where the brain stops functioning and it becomes impossible for the medical professional to revive that person.
Heart is the main pumping organ of the body. It pumps the blood throughout the body which helps in oxygen transport to all tissues. The brain gradually ceases to function after the heart stops beating. Therefore clinical death may lead to biological death.
When a person is on life-support, his system is alive due to the machines. This is the best time for organ donation as the organs are alive. if the life-support is taken off, the organs will begin to deteriorate and stop functioning permanently.

Note: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, epinephrine injection, are certain techniques used to revive patients from the clinical death phase.