ABSTRACT
At autopsy, the medical examiner measures and diagrams the location of each wound. Wounds are measured before and a¤er reapproximating the edges of the wound. e size, shape, anatomic location, and orientation of the wound are described as well as the appearance of the edges (blunt or sharp). e presence of associated marks is noted because they may reŒect the physical characteristics of the weapon. For example, the guard or hilt of a knife or tool may leave an impression adjacent to the wound. Following external examination, visceral and vascular injuries are identi—ed during dissection, and a determination of lethal injury is made (Figure 8.2).
