What signifies the end of life according to the given information?

The end of life is commonly defined by the absence of both circulatory and respiratory functions, which occurs when the heart stops beating and respiration comes to an end. This definition aligns with medical criteria for determining death, which emphasizes the irreversible cessation of these vital functions.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as it provides a clear and universally accepted standard for identifying when life has ceased. While failure of the nervous system, loss of consciousness, or severe bodily injury might indicate critical health conditions or an impending death, they do not constitute definitive signs of death. For instance, a person may experience severe injury or loss of consciousness while still maintaining some level of cardiovascular or respiratory function.

Therefore, the cessation of heartbeat and breathing serves as the primary indicator of death, reinforcing the importance of these two functions in the definition of life and death in medical and legal contexts.