Defining Function in Medicine: Bridging the Gap between Biology and Clinical Practice Molina Pérez, Alberto This work is part of project DEAD BODIES (PID2020-119717GA-100) funded by Spain’s Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. The classification of preserved hypothalamic activity in brain death and brainstem death as functional or non-functional has become a subject of debate. While proponents of the neurological criterion claim that these activities lack functional significance (Shemie et al. 2014), Nair-Collins and Joffe (2023) argue for their functional physiological role. However, the interpretation of the term "function" within the medico-legal framework, where death is characterized by the irreversible cessation of all brain functions, remains unclear. My intention here is not to engage in a debate over the validity of different viewpoints regarding the functional significance of preserved activities in the hypothalamus or the heart. Rather, I aim to highlight the critical importance of exploring and defining the concept of function in medicine, which currently lacks clarity. My point is that, whatever our position in the brain death debate, reaching a consensus on this conceptual matter would minimize misunderstandings and establish a robust foundation for further insightful analysis. 2024-12-19T10:07:35Z 2024-12-19T10:07:35Z 2023-11-09 journal article Published version: Molina-Pérez, Alberto (2023). Defining Function in Medicine: Bridging the Gap between Biology and Clinical Practice. American Journal of Bioethics Neuroscience 14 (3):282-285. https://doi.org/10.1080/21507740.2023.2243864 https://hdl.handle.net/10481/98284 10.1080/21507740.2023.2243864 eng http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ open access Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internacional Taylor & Francis Group