What process incinerates human remains?

Cremation is the process that incinerates human remains, converting them into bone fragments through the application of high heat and flame. This method of disposition reduces the body to ashes, often referred to as cremains, which can then be collected and stored, scattered, or interred as desired by the family or loved ones.

Cremation serves various purposes, including offering a flexible alternative to traditional burial, accommodating modern practices related to memorialization, and sometimes being preferred for its perceived simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The choice of cremation can also stem from cultural and religious beliefs that emphasize the transient nature of the physical body.

In contrast, embalming involves the preservation of a body through chemical treatment to delay decomposition, while burial refers to the interment of the body in the ground. A funeral service encompasses the overall ceremony and rituals associated with honoring the deceased, which may or may not include cremation or burial. Each of these processes has distinct functions, but only cremation specifically pertains to the incineration of human remains.