In medicolegal examination for rape, the hymen is assessed for tears. A 'complete hymenal tear' extending to the base (vaginal wall) that heals with scar tissue formation is called:

• A Carunculae myrtiformes — remnants of ruptured hymen ✓
• B Old tear — a healed complete cleft with rounded or notched margins
• C Imperforate hymen — failure of the central membrane to rupture
• D Cribriform hymen — multiple small apertures in the hymenal membrane

Explanation

After complete rupture and healing of hymenal tears, the residual scarred tags/remnants at the vaginal orifice are termed 'carunculae myrtiformes' (myrtle-leaf shaped caruncles). These are the permanent forensic evidence of prior complete hymenal disruption and are seen in women who have had vaginal sexual intercourse. An imperforate hymen is a congenital condition; a cribriform hymen has multiple small openings; 'old tear' describes the appearance of a partially healed hymenal cleft before complete scar remodelling into caruncles.

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.