Forensic Pathology of Adults

Question 1

frictional force applied to epidermis (scraping causes hemorrhage in exposed dermal vessels, brush burn, collar of abrasion in GSW, often indicates type of weapon)

Answer 1

abrasion

Question 2

mechanical injury that produces focal hemorrhage (rupture of capillaries and venules, skin and internal organs, hematoma within tissue, macrophages engulf RBCs, blue to yellow to green b/c biliverdin)

Answer 2

contusion

Question 3

irregular tear or disruption of skin or organ due to stretching, tissue bridges remain in wound, indicates direction of force, tearing may produce avulsion

Answer 3

laceration

Question 4

wound produced by a sharpened weapon (knife, ice pick, razor), surface > depth, stab wounds depth > surface

Answer 4

incised wound

Question 5

• ring of dirt on clothing (bullet wipe)
• round perforation with abrasion collar
• GSR: stippling, soot, gunpowder, CO

Answer 5

entrance GSW

Question 6

• stellate shape without abrasion
• no GSR
• large cavitating wound in high velocity (rifles)

Answer 6

exit GSW

Question 7

• mostly self inflicted

- impression of muzzle

Answer 7

contact GSW

Question 8

mechanical force transmitted to tissue, with the degree of damage proportional to rate of transfer of force, surface area, area of body injured

Answer 8

blunt force trauma

Question 9

epidermis only (sunburn or flash burn)

Answer 9

1st and 2nd degree burns

Question 10

epidermis, dermis, skin grafting

Answer 10

third degree burns

Question 11

tissue damage from hot liquids

Answer 11

scald

Question 12

full thickness with charring

Answer 12

4th degree

Question 13

ARDS, fluid loss, infection, contractures

Answer 13

complications of burns

Question 14

causes cutaneous burn b/c of high resistance, punched out burn with black margins, high voltage may cause charring, disrupts cardiac conduction system if across heart

Answer 14

electrical burns

Question 15

lightning produces _____ pattern

Answer 15

fern like