forensic pathology > Dimaio Chapter 6: sharp force > Flashcards

Dimaio Chapter 6: sharp force Flashcards

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1
Q

Define an incised wound.

A

A sharp force injury that is longer on the skin surface than it is deep; produced by slicing with a sharp edge (knife/razor/glas).

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2
Q

Define a stab wound.

A

A sharp force injury that is deeper than it is long on the skin surface; produced by thrusting a pointed instrument into tissue.

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3
Q

Define a chop wound.

A

A sharp force injury produced by a heavy, sharp‑edged object (machete/hatchet) that combines incised margins with underlying blunt‑force features such as bone cuts or fractures.

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4
Q

Do incised wounds have tissue bridging?

A

No—true incised wounds lack tissue bridges; bridging suggests a laceration from blunt force.

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5
Q

What is a hesitation mark?

A

A superficial, tentative incised wound often seen near a deeper self‑inflicted cut.

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6
Q

What are defense wounds?

A

Sharp or blunt injuries to hands/forearms incurred while the victim attempts to ward off blows or grasp the weapon.

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7
Q

What is meant by ‘gaping’ of an incised wound?

A

The separation of wound edges due to skin elasticity and the orientation of Langer’s lines; can exaggerate surface length.

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8
Q

Can a stab wound be produced by a non‑knife object?

A

Yes—any pointed instrument (ice pick, awl, broken glass) can produce a stab wound.

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9
Q

What is a ‘slash’?

A

A long, shallow incised wound produced by a sweeping motion with a blade.

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10
Q

What is ‘tailing’ in an incised wound?

A

A tapering of one end of an incision indicating the direction in which the blade exited during the cutting stroke.

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11
Q

What is a ‘chop mark’ in bone?

A

A cut or notch in bone with sharp margins and possible radiating fractures caused by a heavy bladed instrument.

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12
Q

Are serrated knives identifiable from skin alone?

A

Rarely—skin elasticity and motion obscure fine serration marks; bone/cartilage may retain better toolmarks.

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13
Q

What is ‘toolmark analysis’ on bone?

A

Microscopic comparison of cut surface striations/notches on bone or cartilage to a suspect weapon.

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14
Q

What is ‘partial thickness’ vs ‘full thickness’ incised wound?

A

Partial: confined to skin layers; Full: extends through skin into subcutis or deeper structures.

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15
Q

Do incised wounds always bleed profusely?

A

Often briskly if vascular areas are cut, but bleeding depends on depth and vessel involvement; superficial incisions may bleed modestly.

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16
Q

Define ‘gaping vs. non‑gaping’ in relation to Langer’s lines.

A

Incisions perpendicular to Langer’s lines gape more; parallel incisions gape less.

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17
Q

What is the typical shape of a stab wound from a double‑edged knife?

A

A symmetrical spindle/elliptical wound with sharp ends, sometimes both pointed.

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18
Q

What shape can a single‑edged blade produce?

A

One squared or blunt end and one pointed or ‘fish‑tail’ end due to the blunt spine vs sharp edge.

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19
Q

Can the entrance wound length equal blade width?

A

No—the skin slit is typically smaller than blade width due to elasticity and compression.

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20
Q

Can a chop wound mimic a laceration?

A

Yes—because of associated blunt force; look for cleanly cut hairs/dermis at the margin and underlying bone cuts.

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21
Q

Incised wounds—Classic margin appearance?

A

Clean, sharp, everted or slightly retracted edges without abrasion/contusion.

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22
Q

Incised wounds—Directional clue?

A

A tapered tail at one end can indicate the direction of blade withdrawal.

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23
Q

Incised wounds—Multiple parallel cuts?

A

May represent hesitation marks or sawing motions.

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24
Q

Incised wounds—Clothing correlation?

A

Cuts in clothing should align with body wounds; lack of alignment may suggest staging.

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25
Incised wounds—Gaping exaggeration?
Skin tension makes wounds appear longer on the surface than the blade path.
26
Incised wounds—Hair at the margin?
Cleanly cut hairs support sharp injury; crushed hairs suggest blunt trauma.
27
Incised wounds—Scalp incisions vs lacerations?
Split lacerations over bone can mimic incisions but show tissue bridging/abraded margins.
28
Incised wounds—Under‑ or over‑counting wounds?
One long incision with tails can be miscounted as multiple cuts; careful edge tracing is needed.
29
Incised wounds—Neck incisions?
May involve major vessels; air embolism is possible if neck veins/lungs are cut.
30
Incised wounds—Wrists/forearms?
Common sites for tentative and self‑inflicted incisions; evaluate for hesitation marks.
31
Incised wound quick check 1: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
32
Incised wound quick check 2: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
33
Incised wound quick check 3: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
34
Incised wound quick check 4: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
35
Incised wound quick check 5: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
36
Incised wound quick check 6: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
37
Incised wound quick check 7: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
38
Incised wound quick check 8: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
39
Incised wound quick check 9: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
40
Incised wound quick check 10: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
41
Incised wound quick check 11: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
42
Incised wound quick check 12: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
43
Incised wound quick check 13: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
44
Incised wound quick check 14: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
45
Incised wound quick check 15: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
46
Incised wound quick check 16: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
47
Incised wound quick check 17: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
48
Incised wound quick check 18: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
49
Incised wound quick check 19: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
50
Incised wound quick check 20: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
51
Incised wound quick check 21: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
52
Incised wound quick check 22: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
53
Incised wound quick check 23: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
54
Incised wound quick check 24: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
55
Incised wound quick check 25: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
56
Incised wound quick check 26: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
57
Incised wound quick check 27: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
58
Incised wound quick check 28: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
59
Incised wound quick check 29: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
60
Incised wound quick check 30: Do true incised wounds show tissue bridging?
No—bridging indicates laceration from blunt force.
61
Is estimating blade length from skin length accurate?
No—skin length underestimates blade width and gives no reliable blade length; track depth is a better (yet still imperfect) clue.
62
Can track depth exceed blade length?
Yes—compression/stretching of tissues and body movement can make depth greater than blade length.
63
What is a 'stop mark'?
An abrasion/contusion imprint from the knife guard/handle when the blade is inserted to the hilt.
64
How do you infer single vs double edge from the skin?
Single‑edged blades may produce one sharp and one blunted corner; double‑edged blades tend to have two sharp ends—interpret cautiously.
65
Role of cartilage/bone in edge‑type inference
Cuts into cartilage/bone may preserve better edge characteristics (e.g., symmetric vs asymmetric notches).
66
What is a 'fish‑tail' end?
A small V‑shaped split at one end from twisting or the blunt spine of a single‑edged blade.
67
How does twisting affect wound shape?
Twisting can widen the track and create irregular/fish‑tail ends.
68
What is the effect of withdrawal movement?
Withdrawal at an angle can produce a tail or superficial extension at one end.
69
Does blade cross‑section (triangular/oval) matter?
It may influence wound outline in firm tissues; soft skin often masks subtle differences.
70
What can 'gaping' suggest in a stab?
Orientation vs tension lines; not necessarily weapon size.
71
Stab wound quick check 1: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
72
Stab wound quick check 2: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
73
Stab wound quick check 3: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
74
Stab wound quick check 4: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
75
Stab wound quick check 5: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
76
Stab wound quick check 6: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
77
Stab wound quick check 7: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
78
Stab wound quick check 8: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
79
Stab wound quick check 9: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
80
Stab wound quick check 10: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
81
Stab wound quick check 11: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
82
Stab wound quick check 12: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
83
Stab wound quick check 13: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
84
Stab wound quick check 14: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
85
Stab wound quick check 15: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
86
Stab wound quick check 16: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
87
Stab wound quick check 17: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
88
Stab wound quick check 18: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
89
Stab wound quick check 19: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
90
Stab wound quick check 20: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
91
Stab wound quick check 21: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
92
Stab wound quick check 22: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
93
Stab wound quick check 23: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
94
Stab wound quick check 24: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
95
Stab wound quick check 25: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
96
Stab wound quick check 26: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
97
Stab wound quick check 27: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
98
Stab wound quick check 28: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
99
Stab wound quick check 29: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
100
Stab wound quick check 30: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
101
Stab wound quick check 31: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
102
Stab wound quick check 32: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
103
Stab wound quick check 33: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
104
Stab wound quick check 34: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
105
Stab wound quick check 35: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
106
Stab wound quick check 36: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
107
Stab wound quick check 37: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
108
Stab wound quick check 38: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
109
Stab wound quick check 39: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
110
Stab wound quick check 40: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
111
Stab wound quick check 41: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
112
Stab wound quick check 42: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
113
Stab wound quick check 43: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
114
Stab wound quick check 44: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
115
Stab wound quick check 45: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
116
Stab wound quick check 46: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
117
Stab wound quick check 47: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
118
Stab wound quick check 48: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
119
Stab wound quick check 49: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
120
Stab wound quick check 50: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
121
Stab wound quick check 51: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
122
Stab wound quick check 52: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
123
Stab wound quick check 53: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
124
Stab wound quick check 54: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
125
Stab wound quick check 55: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
126
Stab wound quick check 56: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
127
Stab wound quick check 57: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
128
Stab wound quick check 58: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
129
Stab wound quick check 59: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
130
Stab wound quick check 60: Is skin‑surface length a reliable measure of blade width?
No—skin is elastic; the slit is typically shorter than blade width.
131
Common sites of defense wounds in sharp force assaults?
Ulnar aspects of forearms, palms, and fingers (grasping/grabbing).
132
What do cuts across palmar creases suggest?
Active grasping of the blade (classic defense).
133
Distribution typical of self‑inflicted incised wounds?
Accessible surfaces—wrists, forearms, neck; presence of hesitation marks.
134
Do hesitation marks prove suicide?
No—they increase suspicion but are not definitive; context is essential.
135
How do clothing injuries inform manner?
Intact clothing over sharp wounds suggests self‑inflicted wounds inflicted after removing/adjusting clothing; torn/bloody clothing suggests assault—but staging is possible.
136
Are defense wounds required in homicide?
No—surprise attacks or restraint may prevent them.
137
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 1: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
138
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 2: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
139
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 3: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
140
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 4: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
141
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 5: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
142
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 6: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
143
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 7: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
144
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 8: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
145
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 9: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
146
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 10: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
147
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 11: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
148
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 12: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
149
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 13: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
150
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 14: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
151
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 15: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
152
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 16: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
153
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 17: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
154
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 18: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
155
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 19: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
156
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 20: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
157
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 21: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
158
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 22: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
159
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 23: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
160
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 24: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
161
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 25: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
162
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 26: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
163
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 27: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
164
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 28: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
165
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 29: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
166
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 30: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
167
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 31: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
168
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 32: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
169
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 33: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
170
Defense/self‑infliction quick check 34: Are hesitation cuts diagnostic of suicide?
No—supportive only; interpret with scene/circumstances.
171
Skin margin quality in chop wounds?
Clean incised margins with underlying crush/abrasion from mass of the weapon.
172
Skeletal hallmark of chop injury?
Sharp cut notches in bone with possible radiating fractures and metal transfer.
173
Common instruments causing chop wounds?
Machetes, axes, cleavers, heavy knives.
174
Can a chop wound sever extremities?
Yes—partial or complete amputations can occur with heavy blades.
175
Chop wound quick check 1: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
176
Chop wound quick check 2: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
177
Chop wound quick check 3: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
178
Chop wound quick check 4: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
179
Chop wound quick check 5: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
180
Chop wound quick check 6: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
181
Chop wound quick check 7: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
182
Chop wound quick check 8: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
183
Chop wound quick check 9: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
184
Chop wound quick check 10: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
185
Chop wound quick check 11: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
186
Chop wound quick check 12: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
187
Chop wound quick check 13: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
188
Chop wound quick check 14: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
189
Chop wound quick check 15: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
190
Chop wound quick check 16: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
191
Chop wound quick check 17: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
192
Chop wound quick check 18: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
193
Chop wound quick check 19: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
194
Chop wound quick check 20: Do chop wounds have blunt features as well as sharp?
Yes—combination injuries with bone/soft‑tissue crush.
195
Why photograph wounds before cleaning?
To preserve blood patterns and clothing relationships for later reconstruction.
196
How to document wound orientation?
Use a body diagram and cardinal directions (e.g., 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock) with measurements.
197
Why probe stab tracks carefully?
To avoid creating false paths; prefer layer‑by‑layer dissection to follow the natural track.
198
When to remove clothing for lab?
Whenever clothing bears cuts/tears/patterns; package each item separately to preserve trace evidence.
199
What trace evidence can be recovered from wound margins?
Foreign material (paint, glass, metal), and possible micro‑transfer from the weapon.
200
How to handle a suspected serrated blade case?
Examine bone/cartilage for striations and consider toolmark comparison with test cuts.
201
Documentation quick check 1: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
202
Documentation quick check 2: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
203
Documentation quick check 3: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
204
Documentation quick check 4: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
205
Documentation quick check 5: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
206
Documentation quick check 6: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
207
Documentation quick check 7: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
208
Documentation quick check 8: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
209
Documentation quick check 9: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
210
Documentation quick check 10: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
211
Documentation quick check 11: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
212
Documentation quick check 12: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
213
Documentation quick check 13: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
214
Documentation quick check 14: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
215
Documentation quick check 15: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
216
Documentation quick check 16: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
217
Documentation quick check 17: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
218
Documentation quick check 18: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
219
Documentation quick check 19: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
220
Documentation quick check 20: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
221
Documentation quick check 21: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
222
Documentation quick check 22: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
223
Documentation quick check 23: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
224
Documentation quick check 24: Should you rely solely on skin shape to match a specific knife?
No—skin is unreliable; correlate with internal track, clothing, bone/cartilage toolmarks, and scene.
225
Can air embolism cause rapid death in neck/chest stab wounds?
Yes—venous or cardiac chamber injuries can entrain air causing sudden collapse.
226
Why can small superficial chest wounds be lethal?
If they penetrate intercostal spaces and injure the heart or great vessels.
227
Are multiple superficial incised wounds necessarily hesitation marks?
Not always—may represent assaultive slashes; assess location/pattern.
228
Is the absence of blood spatter proof the wounds were postmortem?
No—bleeding depends on site, depth, and vascular injury; scene dynamics matter.
229
Can a single stab produce two skin defects?
Yes—if the blade is withdrawn and reinserted through the same slit at a different angle or if a corner tears.
230
Pitfall quick check 1: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
231
Pitfall quick check 2: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
232
Pitfall quick check 3: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
233
Pitfall quick check 4: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
234
Pitfall quick check 5: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
235
Pitfall quick check 6: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
236
Pitfall quick check 7: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
237
Pitfall quick check 8: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
238
Pitfall quick check 9: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
239
Pitfall quick check 10: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
240
Pitfall quick check 11: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
241
Pitfall quick check 12: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
242
Pitfall quick check 13: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
243
Pitfall quick check 14: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
244
Pitfall quick check 15: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
245
Pitfall quick check 16: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
246
Pitfall quick check 17: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
247
Pitfall quick check 18: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
248
Pitfall quick check 19: Can blade length be determined precisely from the wound alone?
No—only an estimate from the track, and even that is uncertain.
249
Can a stab wound be present without an obvious external slit in decomposed skin?
Yes—slits can be obscured by skin slippage/maceration; follow the internal track during autopsy.
250
What does a guard 'stop' imprint suggest about penetration depth?
That the blade likely went to (or near) the hilt at that thrust; confirm internally.
forensic pathology
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