Which term describes a torn, ragged-edged wound?

The term that describes a torn, ragged-edged wound is "laceration." Lacerations occur when the skin is forcibly torn, resulting in irregular edges and often varying degrees of tissue damage. This type of wound is typically more complex than a clean-cut incision, which would have smooth, well-defined edges.

In contrast, an incision refers to a clean cut made by a sharp instrument, often used in surgical procedures. A contusion, commonly known as a bruise, involves damage to blood vessels beneath the skin caused by impact, leading to discoloration without a break in the skin. A lesion is a broader term that refers to any abnormal tissue change or injury, which can encompass various types of wounds, growths, or skin abnormalities, but does not specifically describe the characteristics of a torn or ragged edge. Thus, the definition of laceration accurately fits the description of a torn, ragged-edged wound.