Which type of wound is characterized by small holes in the tissue, often caused by pointed objects?

The type of wound characterized by small holes in the tissue, typically caused by pointed objects, is known as a puncture. Puncture wounds occur when an object penetrates the skin and underlying tissues, creating a narrow opening. This can happen with objects like nails, needles, or animal bites. The key characteristics of puncture wounds include their small size and the potential for deep tissue injury, as the wound might be deeper than it appears on the surface. It is important to note that puncture wounds can carry a higher risk of infection, particularly if the object that caused the wound was not clean.

In comparison, other types of wounds serve different descriptions: lacerations involve ragged or torn edges, avulsions are injuries where a section of skin or tissue is forcibly detached, and contusions are essentially bruises that result from blunt force trauma leading to bleeding beneath the skin. Each of these has distinct features and implications for care, but punctures specifically relate to deep, narrow injuries from pointed objects.