Lacerate
Lacerate
Lacerate (/ˈlæsəreɪt/), from the Latin lacerare meaning "to tear", is a medical term used to describe a deep cut or tear in the skin or flesh.
Definition
A laceration is a wound that is produced by the tearing of soft body tissue. This type of wound is often irregular and jagged. Lacerations may be deep or shallow, long or short, and wide or narrow.
Causes
Most lacerations are the result of the skin hitting an object, or an object hitting the skin with force. Common causes include falls, fights, car accidents, broken glass, knives, machinery, and tools.
Treatment
Treatment for a laceration involves cleaning the wound to prevent infection, closing the wound with stitches (if necessary), and dressing the wound. In some cases, a tetanus shot may be required.
Related Terms
- Abrasion: A wound caused by superficial damage to the skin, no deeper than the epidermis.
- Incision: A cut made in the body during surgery.
- Puncture: A small hole caused by a long, pointy object, such as a nail or needle.
- Avulsion: A wound that occurs when skin or other body tissue is torn away partially or completely.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lacerate
- Wikipedia's article - Lacerate
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