|
Trait |
Entrance wound |
Exit wound |
|
Size |
Smaller than the diameter of the bullet. In close discharge, skin is torn |
Bigger than the bullet |
|
Edges |
Inverted |
Everted, puckered or torn |
|
Bruising, abrasion and grease collar |
Present |
Absent |
|
Burning, blackening, tattooing |
May be seen around the wound. |
Absent |
|
Bleeding |
Less. |
More |
|
Fat |
No protrusion except in contact shot. |
May protrude |
|
Tissues within and around the wound |
May be cherry-red due to CO of explosive gases. |
No colour change |
|
Approximation of edges |
Retains a small central defect. |
Re-establishes skin's integrity |
|
Fibres of clothing |
Turned in and may be carried into the wound. |
Turned out |
|
Lead ring or metal ring |
May be seen around the wound by radiological examination. |
Absent |
|
Spectrography |
More metal is found around entrance wound, if bullet has only passed through soft tissues. |
The exit wound may contain more metal if a bone is struck nearer to it |
Reference:
1. The Essentials of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 34th edition, Dr. K.S. Narayan reddy and O.P. murty, P. No. 215