What type of entry wound is typically described as having a cruciate appearance?

The type of entry wound described as having a cruciate appearance is most commonly associated with contact wounds. This appearance occurs due to the interaction of the firearm with the skin when a shot is fired at very close range or in direct contact with the skin. The pattern manifests as a cross-shaped or cruciform injury, which can be the result of the muzzle flash, carbon soot, and even the physical structure of the barrel interacting with the body.

In contact wounds, the skin around the bullet entry often shows a characteristic indentation and may also present with lacerations that form these distinctive patterns. This is in contrast to other types of wounds, such as distant or intermediate wounds, where the bullet typically creates a circular or oval entry hole without the additional patterning from the firearm's barrel or the explosive forces involved in the discharge.

Therefore, recognizing the cruciate appearance specifically points to the classification of contact wounds, further underlining the importance of understanding the mechanics of gunshot injuries in forensic medicine and toxicology.