American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the edges of a typical laceration?

1. Smooth and regular

2. Flat and even

3. Irregular and jagged

4. Circular and well-defined

The correct answer is: Irregular and jagged

The edges of a typical laceration can be best described as irregular and jagged due to the nature of the injury. Lacerations result from tearing of the skin and underlying tissues, often caused by blunt force trauma or sharp objects that do not cut cleanly. This type of injury leads to rough, uneven edges as it disrupts the skin's structure in a non-linear fashion. In contrast, smooth and regular edges are characteristic of incised wounds, which are the result of sharp objects. Flat and even edges are not representative of lacerations either, as these suggest a deliberate cut, again typical of incisions. Circular and well-defined edges generally do not align with the characteristics of lacerations; this description is more fitting for puncture wounds or lesions with well-defined boundaries caused by instruments like knives or punches. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately assessing wounds in a forensic or medicolegal context.