Forensic Pathology: Wounds and Injuries

A collection of flashcards covering key terminology and definitions related to forensic pathology, specifically concerning types of wounds and injuries.

Forensic Pathologist

A medical expert who determines the cause of death based on the examination of wounds and injuries.

Laceration

Tear

Incised Wound

A clean cut made by a sharp object.

Puncture

An injury made by nails, needles, or other small pointed objects.

Abrasion

Scrape

Contusion

A bruise caused by the rupture of small blood vessels.

Gunshot Wounds

Injuries resulting from the discharge of a firearm, characterized by entrance and exit wounds.

Contusion Color 1–18 hours

Dark blue/purple

Contusion Color 1–2 days

Blue/brown

Contusion Color 2–3 days

Green

Contusion Color 3–7 days

Yellow

Slash Wounds

Wounds that resemble bullet marks, typically occurring in suicides.

Incision Wounds

Blade cut

Stippling

Powder burns on the skin indicating a close-range gunshot wound.

Tattooing

Burn marks caused by a contact gunshot wound where the barrel touches the skin.

Close Range Gunshot

A gunshot wound occurring at a distance of 6–8 inches with stippling present.

Intermediate Range Gunshot

A gunshot wound that occurs at a distance of 1–3 feet, potentially with fragments of the hot bullet.