A(n) ____________ is an injury where a portion of the skin and sometimes other soft tissue is partially or completely torn away.

An avulsion is defined as an injury in which a portion of the skin and sometimes underlying soft tissue is either partially or completely torn away from the body. This type of injury often results in significant bleeding and can expose deeper structures, potentially leading to complications such as infection or extensive tissue damage.

In contrast, a puncture involves a small, deep wound caused by a sharp object, while a laceration refers to a jagged or irregular tear in the skin, which may not involve the complete removal of tissue. An abrasion is a superficial injury that typically affects only the outer layer of skin, often appearing as a scrape. The key distinction for avulsions lies in the tearing away of tissue, making it an important term in the context of emergency medical care and response.