What type of wound is characterized by torn skin?

A laceration is defined as a wound characterized by torn or jagged skin. This type of injury often results from blunt trauma or sharp objects that tear through the skin, creating an irregular or uneven wound margin. Lacerations can vary in depth and severity, affecting not just the skin but sometimes underlying muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. The key distinguishing feature of a laceration is that it results in torn tissue, as opposed to other types of wounds that have different origins and characteristics.

In contrast, an incision is a clean, straight cut made by a sharp instrument, typically seen in surgical procedures. A contusion, also known as a bruise, involves damage to blood vessels and tissues beneath the skin without breaking the skin itself, resulting in discoloration. An abrasion, on the other hand, refers to the scraping away of the skin's surface, usually caused by friction against a rough surface. Each of these wounds has unique characteristics that differentiate them from a laceration, which makes it clear why laceration is the correct answer in this context.