What is a penetrating gunshot wound?

A penetrating gunshot wound refers to an injury where the projectile from a firearm enters the body but does not exit. This type of wound results in internal damage that can vary significantly based on the location of the entry point, the caliber of the bullet, and the pathway it takes through the body.

In medical terms, this distinction is crucial because the presence of the projectile within the body often leads to complications, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to internal organs or structures. Understanding the nature of this type of wound is vital for law enforcement and medical personnel in assessing the severity of injuries and determining the appropriate response for medical treatment and investigation.

The other choices describe different wounds: skimming the skin would be classified as a grazing wound, exiting the body indicates a through-and-through wound, and superficial tissue damage usually pertains to abrasions or minor lacerations, neither of which match the definition of a penetrating wound.