What best describes a laceration?

A laceration is characterized by the splitting of tissue resulting in jagged edges, typically caused by blunt trauma. This type of injury can vary in depth and severity, affecting not just the skin but potentially underlying structures as well. Unlike a clean-cut wound or incision, which is made by a sharp object and presents with smooth edges, a laceration has irregular, torn edges that reflect the force and manner of the impact.

In this context, the development of a laceration involves significant trauma, causing the skin to tear instead of cut cleanly, which is crucial for understanding how these injuries occur and how to treat them appropriately. The terminology and description used in forensics often emphasize the distinction between different types of wounds, which is important for documentation and legal considerations.