Why must a forensic anthropologist be able to distinguish between antemortem and perimortem pathology

Antemortem describes injuries or pathologies inflicted on the victim before the death. Perimortem refers to any injury associated with the manner of death.

Explanation:

A foresen anthropologist is a person who is dedicated to identifying and studying skeletonized human remains and trying to determine markings on the bones that can elucidate the causes of death. In this way, the anthropologist seeks to learn about the events that occurred by studying the injuries and analyzing evidence left at the scene.

The term antemortem is used to describe injuries or pathologies on the victim before his or her death, which, however, have not caused the person's death. On the other hand, the term perimortem refers to injuries or pathologies associated with the manner of death. That is, it is necessary to distinguish between the two to determine the cause of death of the person. Not only has an antemortem injury or pathology not led to death, but it has no relationship to the event. And a perimortem injury or pathology is fatal, it must be focused on in order to clarify the facts and know how the person died.

Confusing an antemortem pathology with a perimortem one or vice versa, can lead to an erroneous diagnosis of the cause of death.

a and b