Which term describes the professional practice involving burial and funerals?

The term that best describes the professional practice involving burial and funerals is mortuary science. This field encompasses the study and application of various aspects related to the preparation of the deceased for burial or cremation, as well as the management of funeral services. Mortuary science includes a variety of practices, such as embalming, restorative art, and the legal and ethical considerations in handling human remains. It is specifically focused on the technical and professional aspects of funeral service, including working with families to arrange funerals and memorials.

Palliative care refers to the specialized medical care aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, rather than the post-life practices associated with funerals. Thanatology is the study of death and the processes associated with it but does not inherently involve the practical aspects of burial and funerals. Grief counseling relates to the psychological support provided to those experiencing loss, which is an important part of the funeral service experience but is distinctly different from the practicalities of mortuary practices.