Wound track
Definition
The path of tissue disruption left by a projectile passing through a body. Consists of a permanent cavity (crushed tissue) and a temporary cavity (tissue stretched by the pressure wave). Diameter and shape assist calibre and velocity estimation.
- Two cavity types
- Permanent cavity (crushed tissue) and temporary cavity (tissue stretched by pressure wave)
- Used for
- Calibre and velocity estimation from skeletal trauma patterns and projectile positioning
Common questions
What does a wound track tell you about the bullet?+
A wound track shows two key features. The permanent cavity is the crushed tissue the projectile directly contacted. The temporary cavity is the tissue stretched outward by the pressure wave as the projectile passed through. The diameter and shape of these cavities help investigators estimate the calibre and velocity of the round.
How do you reconstruct a wound track in skeletal remains?+
Investigators look at the spatial relationship between the projectile itself and the skeleton, reading the trauma patterns left on bone. These patterns trace the path the projectile took through the body, even if soft tissue is no longer present.
Why does the difference between permanent and temporary cavity matter?+
The permanent cavity shows what was actually destroyed. The temporary cavity shows the pressure wave effect. Together they help estimate calibre and how fast the projectile was moving when it struck.
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Explained in these topics
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