A(n) ____________ is a cut that may have either smooth or jagged edges.

A laceration is a type of wound characterized by a cut that can have either smooth or jagged edges. This definition distinguishes it from other types of injuries. Lacerations often occur when a sharp object, such as a knife or glass, breaks the skin, resulting in varying degrees of tissue damage. The irregularity of the edges is key; they are not defined or clean cut like incisions made with surgical instruments, which adds to the complexity of treating a laceration.

In contrast, a puncture is a wound that involves a small, deep hole made by a sharp object, which does not typically have jagged or irregular edges. An avulsion refers to a situation where a portion of the skin and possibly other tissues are torn away, often leading to a flap of skin that remains partially attached. An abrasion involves the top layer of skin being scraped off, which generally results in a smooth surface rather than a cut with defined edges.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper assessment and treatment in emergency medical response scenarios.