Injury or damage to the body's tissues is what defines a wound. This can occur due to several reasons like underlying medical conditions, trauma, or surgery. From minor cuts and abrasions to more complex injuries with significant tissue damage, wounds can manifest in different severity and traits. Skin breaks are typically a common indication of wounds.

The differences between ante-mortem and post-mortem wounds are noted below:

• Ante-mortem wounds occur before death. Post-mortem wounds occur after death.
• In ante-mortem wounds haemorrhage is copious. In post-mortem wounds haemorrhage is slight or none at all.
• In ante-mortem wounds there are marks of spouting of blood from arteries. In post-mortem wounds there is no spouting of blood.
• Ante-mortem wounds typically result in bleeding. In post-mortem wounds there is no bleeding as the heart is not pumping blood.
• Ante-mortem wounds can initiate the healing process. In post-mortem wounds no healing occurs.
• In ante-mortem wounds red blood cells are present. In post-mortem wounds, red blood cells are absent.
• Ante-mortem wounds trigger an inflammatory response. In post-mortem wounds there is no inflammatory response.
• Ante-mortem wounds may cause pain. In post-mortem wounds no pain is experienced.
• In ante-mortem wounds bruising can occur. In post-mortem wounds no new bruising forms.
• In ante-mortem wounds surrounding tissue is at body temperature. In post-mortem wounds surrounding tissue may be cooler than body temperature.
• In ante-mortem wounds, wound edges may contract. In post-mortem wounds there is no contraction of wound edges.
• Ante-mortem wounds are susceptible to infection. In post-mortem wounds there is no microbial activity.
• In ante-mortem wounds cells are alive and undergoing changes. In post-mortem wounds cells are dead, no changes occur.
• In ante-mortem wounds swelling may occur due to inflammation. In post-mortem wounds there is no swelling.
• In ante-mortem wounds wound edges are deeply stained which is not removed by washing. In post-mortem wounds wound edges are feebly stained.
• In ante-mortem wounds, wound edges show gaping. In post-mortem wounds no gaping is seen in wound edges.
• In ante-mortem wounds blood clotting is part of the body's response. In post-mortem wounds no new blood clotting occurs.
• Ante-mortem wounds can be found anywhere on the body. Post-mortem wounds are often found at edges or surfaces.
• Ante-mortem wounds are fresh and may show signs of recent injury. Post-mortem wounds appear more dried and lack freshness.
• In ante-mortem wounds edges may be irregular due to the body's attempt at repair. In post-mortem wounds edges are typically smooth.
• In ante-mortem wounds tissues around the wound may be reactive. In post-mortem wounds there is no tissue reaction.
• In ante-mortem wounds blood may be distributed around the wound. In post-mortem wounds there is no active blood distribution.
• In ante-mortem wounds blood coagulation is part of the healing process; signs of healing may be present. In post-mortem wounds no new coagulation occurs; signs of healing are absent.
• Ante-mortem wounds may show signs of erosion due to the body's attempts at repair. In post-mortem wounds there is no erosion.