A laceration over the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) of a 40-year-old man shows pale, non-bruised margins with tissue bridges crossing the wound. The wound is likely produced by:
- A A sharp weapon drawn across the skin
- B A pointed stabbing weapon
- C A heavy blunt impact ✓
- D A firearm entry wound
Correct answer: C. A heavy blunt impact
Explanation
Lacerations occur from blunt force splitting the skin, characterized by irregular, bruised margins and tissue bridges (nerves, vessels, connective tissue) crossing the wound cavity. Over bony prominences like the zygomatic arch, blunt impacts easily split the skin against the hard surface. Incised wounds from sharp weapons lack tissue bridges and show clean, regular margins.
Reference: Practical Forensic Medicine, 3rd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.