A body shows a cut wound with regular, straight edges, pointed ends, and a longer than deep wound cavity. The subcutaneous tissues show undermining. This is best described as:
- A Incised wound from a sharp-edged weapon swung in a single tangential stroke ✓
- B Laceration from blunt force applied perpendicular to the skin
- C Stab wound from a double-edged blade
- D Chopped wound from a heavy, moderately sharp implement
Explanation
An incised wound (slash/cut) is produced by a sharp-edged instrument drawn across the skin. Characteristics: length greater than depth, clean straight edges, pointed angles (both ends), no bridging of tissue fibres in depth, bevelled subcutaneous margins (undermining), minimal surrounding bruising. A laceration (blunt force) would show irregular edges, abraded margins, and tissue bridges in the base. A stab wound has depth greater than length. A chopped wound is incised but with associated fracture and bone involvement from the weapon's weight.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.