What does the term 'comatose' mean?

The term 'comatose' specifically refers to a state of being unconscious and unresponsive to external stimuli. This medical condition indicates that the individual is unable to wake up or respond to the environment, often due to severe illness or injury. It is a very serious state that differs significantly from being alert, aware, or in a deep sleep. Being in a deep sleep allows for responsiveness to some extent, while a comatose state denotes a complete lack of awareness and consciousness.