In mortuary science, what term is used to define the permanent stopping of all vital functions?

The term used to define the permanent stopping of all vital functions in mortuary science is "death." This term encompasses the complete and final cessation of all bodily functions, which is a fundamental concept in the field. Death signifies that the body can no longer sustain physiological processes essential for life, including respiration, circulation, and neurological activity.

While "clinical death" refers to a temporary state in which vital signs such as heartbeat and breathing have ceased, it does not necessarily indicate that all bodily functions have permanently stopped, as some individuals can be resuscitated from this state. "Biological death" usually implies irreversible changes occur in the body that follow clinical death, often resulting in the decomposition process. "Somatic death" refers to the death of the entire body, but it is less commonly used in day-to-day discussions compared to the straightforward and definitive term "death."

Thus, using the term "death" is the most accurate and comprehensive way to describe the situation where all vital functions have permanently ceased, solidifying it as the correct answer.