Which type of wound is characterized by being caused by a sharp weapon and having a depth greater than width?

Prepare for the NEET Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) Test with engaging multiple-choice questions and detailed answer explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

A stab wound is specifically defined as a type of penetrating injury caused by a sharp, pointed object, such as a knife or a dagger. The distinctive feature of stab wounds is that they typically possess a depth that is greater than the width, which differentiates them from other types of wounds. This depth can often reach vital internal organs or structures, depending on the force applied and the angle of the stab.

In contrast, an incision, caused by a sharp instrument, often exhibits a width greater than depth, and is characterized by clean edges due to the nature of the cutting action. A chop wound, resulting from a heavy weapon like an axe or cleaver, typically combines features of both incisional and laceration wounds, but tends to be wider than deep due to the blunt force impact. Meanwhile, a laceration is caused by tearing of the skin or tissue, resulting in irregular edges, and again generally lacks the depth characteristic of stab wounds.

Thus, the defining characteristics of stab wounds align closely with the description provided, making it the correct answer for this question.

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