A decedent has multiple lacerations on the scalp. On examination, the wound margins show bridging strands of tissue, irregular edges, marginal bruising, and hair crush at the wound base. These features indicate:

• A Incised wound from a sharp-edged weapon
• B Laceration from blunt force impact ✓
• C Stab wound with a knife of intermediate blade width
• D Chopped wound from a heavy weapon like a dao

Explanation

Lacerations (tears) from blunt trauma are distinguished from incised wounds by: irregular and ragged margins, marginal bruising and abrasion, bridging strands of connective tissue/nerves/vessels crossing the wound floor, and, on the scalp, crushed hair bulbs at the wound edges. Incised wounds have clean, sharply defined edges without bridging strands or bruising. These features are critical for identifying the nature of the weapon and differentiating homicidal from accidental wounds.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.