What type of gunshot wound is characterized by having an entrance wound and no exit wound?

A penetrating gunshot wound is defined by the presence of an entrance wound where the bullet enters the body but does not leave, resulting in no exit wound. This type of wound allows for the possibility of internal damage without external evidence of the bullet's passage through the body. It can lead to serious injuries depending on the location of the entrance wound and the trajectory of the bullet, which can affect vital organs or major blood vessels.

In contrast, a perforating gunshot wound would involve an exit wound, indicating that the bullet has passed completely through the body. A contact wound is associated with the muzzle of the firearm being in contact with the skin, typically resulting in specific wound characteristics like soot or burns around the entrance. A laceration, however, is a tear or cut in the skin or tissue caused by a sharp object, which is distinct from wounds caused by gunfire. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately assessing the nature of gunshot wounds in forensic investigations.