Which of the following best describes a laceration?

A laceration is best described as a jagged or torn wound. This definition captures the essential characteristics of a laceration, which typically results from blunt trauma or an accident that causes the skin to rip or tear rather than making a clean cut. The irregular edge of the wound is indicative of the force and manner in which the injury occurred, distinguishing it from other types of injuries like incisions or abrasions.

In contrast, a clean cut made by a sharp object refers specifically to an incision rather than the jagged nature of a laceration. While a deep tissue injury caused by trauma might capture some aspects of a laceration, it does not necessarily convey the jagged or torn quality that is characteristic of this specific type of wound. Lastly, a burn caused by heat is unrelated to lacerations, as it describes a different mechanism of injury entirely, focusing on the damage to tissues caused by thermal exposure rather than tearing of the skin.