Which single feature at autopsy MOST reliably distinguishes an antemortem wound from a postmortem wound?

• A Inflammatory cellular reaction in the wound margins ✓
• B Presence of clotted blood in and around the wound
• C Gaping of the wound edges
• D Depth of penetration into subcutaneous tissue

Explanation

Only a living circulation can mount a vital reaction, so infiltration of the wound margins by leucocytes confirms the injury was inflicted before death. Gaping depends on skin elasticity and can occur shortly after death, clotted blood may drain out or be minimal even in life, and depth says nothing about timing. Enzyme histochemical methods support the same principle of demonstrable vital response.

Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.