What is defined as the mechanism of death?

The mechanism of death refers specifically to the physiological or biological process that leads to death. It encompasses the exact changes that occur in the body as a result of the cause of death. For instance, if a person dies from a heart attack, the mechanism of death could be defined as the cardiac arrest that ensues due to blocked coronary arteries. This choice accurately captures the essence of how death occurs, distinguishing it from other related concepts such as the cause or manner of death.

The process leading to death involves a broader timeline and may include various contributing factors, making it less precise than the mechanism itself. The immediate cause of death refers to the specific event or injury that initiates the final phase leading to death, but it does not detail the underlying physiological mechanisms. Lastly, the legal implications following a death address the ramifications and consequences resulting from a death but do not pertain to the biological description of how death occurs.