What are the changes that occur prior to somatic death referred to as?

The term that describes the changes occurring prior to somatic death is "antemortem." This term specifically refers to the time period and physiological changes that take place before death actually occurs. These may include various biological processes such as the body beginning to shut down and the onset of certain pathological conditions that can lead to death. Knowing this is critical in understanding various aspects of medical, forensic, and biological contexts where the distinction between living and deceased states is important.

Other terms you might encounter include "postmortem," which refers to changes that happen after death, "perimortem," which pertains to the time around the moment of death, and "premortem," which generally is not used in the same context as the others regarding physiological changes. Understanding "antemortem" enhances comprehension of the continuum of life leading up to death, which is vital for studies in medical science and forensic investigations.