Which wound type is best described as a tearing away of tissue?

• A. Penetrating puncture
• B. Abrasion
• C. Laceration
• D. Avulsion

Answer: (D)

When tissue is torn away from the body, the wound type is avulsion. This involves forcible separation of tissue, often with a flap or missing portion of skin and underlying structures. Avulsion injuries can be severe, with significant bleeding and potential loss of tissue, and they may require surgical repair or reattachment of the avulsed part if possible. In contrast, a penetrating puncture is a small entry wound from a sharp object, an abrasion is a superficial scraping of the skin, and a laceration is a tear or cut from blunt trauma that creates irregular edges but does not necessarily involve actual tissue removal. The key idea here is the forcible removal of tissue, which is the defining feature of an avulsion.