What describes the destruction of most pathogenic organisms and their products in or on the body?

The correct choice describes the process of disinfection, which is specifically aimed at the destruction of pathogenic organisms and their products in or on the body. Disinfection involves the application of chemical agents or physical processes that eliminate or significantly reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms. This process is crucial in preventing infections, especially in medical and clinical settings where maintaining a sterile environment is paramount.

Sanitation generally refers to the maintenance of hygiene and cleanliness, which includes practices that result in a reduction of pathogenic organisms but may not completely eliminate them. Antisepsis is somewhat related but focuses more on the prevention of infection by applying antiseptic substances to living tissues, which may not completely destroy all pathogens. Preservation, on the other hand, is used in contexts like food or biological specimen storage, where the goal is to prolong the viability or suitability of these items rather than specifically targeting pathogen destruction.

Thus, disinfection is specifically tailored to eradicate harmful pathogens effectively, making it the best descriptor for the destruction of most pathogenic organisms and their products on or within the body.