Which single feature most reliably distinguishes an antemortem incised wound from a similar wound inflicted immediately after death?
- A Gaping of the wound edges
- B Everted wound margins
- C Inflammatory cellular reaction in the wound margins ✓
- D Extravasation of blood into surrounding tissues
Correct answer: C. Inflammatory cellular reaction in the wound margins
Explanation
The inflammatory vital reaction, with leucocytic infiltration beginning around 4 hours after infliction, is the definitive proof that a wound was sustained during life. Gaping, eversion of margins and extravasation can all occur in postmortem wounds because skin elasticity and residual blood in vessels persist briefly after death. A wound inflicted very close to the moment of death may show minimal reaction, which is why the cellular infiltrate rather than gross appearance settles the question.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 35th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.