Decapitation

Complete separation of the head from the body

Decapitation is the total separation of the head from the body. This is invariably fatal to humans and all vertebrate animals, since it deprives the brain of oxygenated blood by way of severing the jugular vein and common carotid artery, while all other organs are deprived of the involuntary functions that are needed for the body to function. The term beheading refers to the act of deliberately decapitating a person, either as a means of murder or as an execution; it may be performed with an axe, sword, and knife, or by mechanical means such as a guillotine.

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