What does the term 'decedent' refer to?

The term 'decedent' specifically refers to a deceased person, particularly in contexts involving legal and medical discussions related to death. In the funeral and mortuary industry, this terminology is important for distinguishing between living individuals and those who have passed away.

When discussing anatomical donation, the usage of the term emphasizes that the person is no longer living, which is essential for eligibility in many organ and tissue donation programs. The focus on individuals whose bodies might be involved in such donations underlines the legal implications that surround the treatment and handling of deceased persons, particularly in relation to their remains.

The other options either reference individuals who are alive or not related to the context of death and anatomical donation, which clarifies why 'decedent' applies specifically to deceased individuals.