Forensic Medicine: Wound Types Basics

UGC-NET Forensic Science Paper II Unit X drill on mechanical injury classification. Covers the five cardinal wound types: abrasion (graze, scratch, pressure, impact), contusion with its sequential colour change timeline from red-blue through green to yellow, laceration from blunt force with intact tissue bridges and irregular margins, incised wound where length exceeds depth from a sharp edge, and stab wound where depth exceeds length. Chop wounds from heavy sharp instruments such as an axe or sword are examined alongside defence wounds on the forearms and palms. The antemortem versus postmortem distinction is tested through vital reaction signs and haemorrhage criteria established in Modi's Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology (latest edition) and Reddy's The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (35th edition). Classification of simple and grievous hurt under Section 117 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 (formerly Section 320 IPC 1860) is tested alongside the broader classification of wounds into mechanical, thermal, and electrical categories. Wound documentation including location, size in centimetres, shape, direction, and orientation relative to anatomical landmarks is covered per Knight and Saukko's Forensic Pathology (4th edition) and AIIMS Delhi forensic medicine departmental practice.

Calibrated for MSc Forensic Science aspirants, MBBS students preparing for medicolegal postings, and UGC-NET Forensic Science Paper II first-pass revision. Aligns with NFSU MSc entrance syllabus and FACT paper requirements.

Topics covered:

• Abrasion types: graze, scratch, pressure, and impact abrasion
• Contusion colour timeline: red, blue, green, and yellow sequence over days
• Laceration: blunt force, irregular margins, and intact tissue bridges
• Incised wound vs stab wound: length-depth ratio distinction
• Chop wound: features of heavy sharp instrument injuries
• Defence wounds: ulnar forearm, palm, and dorsum of hand locations
• Antemortem vs postmortem wound: vital reaction and haemorrhage signs
• BNS 2023 Section 117 (formerly IPC 320): simple vs grievous hurt

Allow 30 minutes.