Antemortem = before death. Refers to events, injuries, or changes that occurred while the person was alive (e.g., antemortem injuries show vital reaction like bleeding/healing).

Postmortem = after death. Refers to changes, injuries, or findings that occur after death (e.g., postmortem lividity, decomposition, or injuries with no vital reaction).

Key distinction in forensics: Antemortem wounds bleed and show tissue response; postmortem wounds do not, since circulation has stopped.