Final answer:
The 'whole brain' definition of death asserts that a person is deceased when all brain function, including the brainstem, has ceased irreversibly, which can be a result of events like a stroke causing brain cell death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "whole brain" definition of death stipulates that an individual is dead when all brain function has ceased irreversibly. This includes the absence of brainstem reflexes, motor responses, and the inability to breathe independently, which is often confirmed through neurological tests.
A stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) can prompt this state, as it causes a lack of blood flow to part of the brain, leading to the death of brain cells and potentially resulting in brain death. The human body contains five vital organs, including the brain.
Should the brain or any of these organs stop functioning, and medical intervention is not provided or fails, death of the organism will occur.
In controversial cases, like those involving Terri Schiavo and the debate over brain death in a pregnant Texas woman, ethical dilemmas surround the declaration and acceptance of brain death, particularly when family wishes or state laws present conflicting views.